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Updated 01-02-2025

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COVID-19 Oral Treatments

Overview

  • If you have COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick, medications are available that can reduce your risk of hospitalization and death.
  • Don’t delay: Treatments must be started within 5-7 days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
  • People who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 should contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if they are eligible for treatment, even if their current symptoms are mild.

 People who are more likely to get very sick include:

 

Outpatient COVID-19 Treatments

Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any underlying diseases and conditions, pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, allergies, and current medications to ensure you receive the best COVID-19 medication for you.

 

Oral Treatments

There are two oral treatments that have been authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

  1. Paxlovid
  2. Molnupiravir

 

Both medicines must be started within 5 days of developing symptoms. 

IV Treatments

There is one intravenous treatment that has been FDA approved:

  1. Remdesivir – This medicine is given at an outpatient facility and must begin within 7 days of developing symptoms.

 

Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers can consult the following resources for information on COVID-19 Treatment:

 

Treatment Locator

For help finding treatment:

  • Use Treatment Locator (hhs.gov) to locate pharmacies, clinics, and other locations with COVID-19 medications.
  • Use Patient Assistance Programs for information on free or reduced cost medication.
  • Uninsured or underinsured patients can consult the NMHealth Helpline (1-833-796-8773) for information on free or reduced cost COVID-19 medication.

General Questions

How do oral antiviral medications work?
  • Antiviral medications reduce the ability of a virus to replicate decreasing the total amount of virus in the body.
  • Antiviral medications reduce the symptoms of a viral infection and shorten the length of illness
I think I have COVID. When should I talk to my doctor about treatment?
  • As soon as you notice symptoms of COVID 19, reach out to your healthcare provider.
  • COVID-19 treatments are most effective when started as soon as possible.
  • COVID oral medication must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take an oral treatment?

Tell you healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

  • allergies
  • liver or kidney disease
  • pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • breastfeeding a child
  • any serious illnesses
  • HIV
  • are taking any medicines (prescription, over the counter, vitamins, or herbal products).
Can I take Paxlovid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding people should discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with their provider.
  • Generally, Paxlovid is considered safe to take in pregnancy.
  • Molnupiravir is NOT recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
What are the side effects of Paxlovid?

 

The most common side effects of PAXLOVID include:

  • altered sense of taste
  • metallic taste
  • diarrhea
    Other possible side effects include:
  • headache
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • high blood pressure
  • feeling generally unwell

These are not all of the possible side effects of PAXLOVID. For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

 

What are the side effects of Molnupiravir?

The most common side effects of LAGEVRIO are: 

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • dizziness

These are not all the possible side effects of molnupiravir. Serious and unexpected side effects may happen. This medicine is still being studied, so it is possible that all of the risks are not known at this time.

Will oral treatment interact with my current medications?

Talk to your doctor and the pharmacist regarding your medication list.

Oral treatments may interact with your medications. Oral treatments may also increase or decrease the levels of multiple other medicines. In some cases, the drug interactions may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Where can I find more information regarding oral treatments?

For more information regarding HKG-LPD-PAXLOVID or Molnupiravir click the hyperlink to be directed to the Factsheet for Patients, Parents and Caregivers.

    Where can I get my prescription filled?

    Visit the Treatment Locator to find a location with oral treatments near you.

    Copyright New Mexico Department of Health