This page is intended as reference information for the general public in the United Kingdom.
What is Paxlovid and what is it used for?
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir) is an oral antiviral medicine that is indicated for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk for progression to severe COVID-19.
Paxlovid contains two different active substances: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir is active against the virus that causes COVID-19 and ritonavir prolongs the therapeutic effect of nirmatrelvir.
Paxlovid stops SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) from multiplying in the body. This keeps virus levels in the body low and helps the immune system to overcome the viral infection.
You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse while on treatment with Paxlovid.
Licensing Information
This medicinal product has been granted a conditional Marketing Authorisation in the United Kingdom. A conditional Marketing Authorisation was granted in the interest of public health because the medicine addresses an unmet medical need and the benefit of immediate availability outweighs the risk from a review of less comprehensive data than normally required.
Reference Information
If you would like to see the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) or Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for Paxlovid visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).
▼ This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get.
If you get any side effects when taking this or any other medicine, talk to your doctor or other relevant health professional e.g. pharmacist, nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the packaging leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Coronavirus Yellow Card Reporting site at https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search the Google Play or Apple App Store for MHRA Yellow Card. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Pfizer is unable to provide advice on personal medical matters. Please consult your doctor or other relevant health professional for specific, health-related advice and support.