Paxlovid FAQs

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.