Should I take Paxlovid?
What is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is an oral medication for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
Who should take it?
Recommended for adults and children who are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19 that may lead to hospitalization or death.
When should it be taken?
Within 5 days of symptom onset.
Will my symptoms go away faster if I take it?
Unfortunately, this medication may not decrease the length of symptoms.
Can I leave isolation faster?
No. You are still required to isolate for 5 days since your positive test result (day 0 being the day you tested positive).
What are possible side effects of this medication?
- Liver problems
- Altered sense of taste
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Rebound infection (which will result in isolation again)
How do I know if I am at high risk?
Do you have any of the below conditions:
- Asthma
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Mental health disorders limited to:
- Mood disorders, including depression
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Smoking, current and former
- Use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medication
- Substance use disorders
- Obesity (BMI =30 kg/m2 or =95th percentile in children)
- Overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2, but <30 kg/m2)
- Cancer
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung diseases limited to:
- Interstitial lung disease
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Bronchiectasis
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Chronic liver diseases limited to:
- Cirrhosis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes mellitus, type 1 and type 2
- Disabilities
- Cerebral Palsy
- Congenital Malformations (Birth Defects)
- Limitations with self-care or activities of daily living
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- Neurologic conditions limited to dementia
- Primary Immunodeficiencies
- Pregnancy and recent pregnancy
- Physical inactivity
- Thalassemia
- Tuberculosis
- Solid organ or hematopoietic cell transplantation
I have one of these conditions and want to start treatment. What do I do now?
Call the Dartmouth College Health Service at 603-646-9440 to speak with a nurse for more information or book online for a telehealth appointment.