Oral COVID-19 treatment (Paxlovid^TM)

Health Canada has authorized the use in Canada of the first oral treatment specifically against COVID-19, Paxlovid^TM. It comes in tablet form.

Paxlovid^TM is intended to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in people at risk of developing serious complications from this infection. The Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) considers Paxlovid^TM to be effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths attributable to COVID-19.

Paxlovid^TM treatment must be started within five days of the appearance of COVID-19 symptoms. It must be taken at the home of the person who has COVID-19 for five consecutive days.

According to the recommendations issued by the INESSS, Paxlovid^TM is intended for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at risk of progression to a severe form of the disease or at risk of hospitalization or death, i.e. those:

• with severe immunosuppression OR
• aged 60 or over OR
• with at least one comorbidity, e.g.:
  • chronic renal failure
  • chronic liver failure
  • chronic cardiopulmonary disease
  • diabetes
  • obesity

To receive Paxlovid^TM treatment, these people must also:

• not present any contraindications to taking Paxlovid^TM because of their health or their concomitant medications
• have been symptomatic for five days or less
• have a confirmed COVID-19 infection with a screening test (PCR) or rapid self-test
• not be hospitalized

As soon COVID-19 symptoms appear, people whose condition appears to meet the criteria defined by INESSS must have a screening test to confirm a COVID-19 infection. The test is free at a local point of service. The appointment must be made on the Clic Santé website or by calling 1-877-644-4545.

If they test positive, people must see a pharmacist, specialized nurse practitioner or physician.

The pharmacist, specialized nurse practitioner or physician will determine if they are eligible to receive Paxlovid^TM, taking into account the recommendations issued by INESSS.

If eligible, they will be able to receive Paxlovid^TM treatment at the pharmacy of their choice.

Treatment with Paxlovid^TM is not recommended in the following cases:

• severe allergy to one of the ingredients in Paxlovid^TM;
• interactions with other medications being taken;
• severe liver problem.

Consumer information on Paxlovid^TM is available on the Government of Canada’s website.