Antiviral Drugs

There are several antiviral medications available to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are at risk for severe illness. This group includes older adults over 65, people who are unvaccinated or not up to date on their vaccines, and people with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system. 

Antiviral medications, such as Paxlovid, remdesivir, and​​ Lagevrio prevent the virus from multiplying in someone’s body once they are infected. Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider within 5-7 days of symptoms starting. If you are at higher risk for severe illness and think you have COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider about testing and/or treatment right away, even if your symptoms are mild.

Patient assistance programs are available for people who are underinsured, uninsured, and who are on Medicare or Medicaid. These programs can lower out-of-pocket costs for some COVID-19 antiviral medications.

Updated October 29, 2024 

While antiviral drugs and other treatments are an important advancement, they are not 100% effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, and they are not a substitute for getting vaccinated. Vaccination is the best defense against serious COVID-19-related illness and can prevent infection altogether.

Updated October 29, 2024