Paxlovid® Tablets for COVID-19

This oral antiviral helps treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in eligible patients. It is taken at home for a short course. You can access US delivery from Canada with an approved prescription, even if you are paying without insurance.

What Paxlovid Is and How It Works

Paxlovid® combines nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir blocks a key SARS-CoV-2 protease needed for viral replication. Ritonavir slows the breakdown of nirmatrelvir, helping maintain effective levels. Together, the tablets are taken for a limited duration early in illness. Many patients try to buy nirmatrelvir ritonavir online through legitimate, licensed channels; we facilitate access with pharmacist oversight.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine is started as soon as possible after symptom onset, per labeling. It may reduce the risk of progression to severe disease in certain patients. Always review the official Patient Information and speak with your prescriber about your situation.

Learn more about the condition at our COVID-19 resource page, and see other antiviral options in our Antivirals category.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression, as directed by the label. Some adolescents 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg may also be eligible per regulatory guidance. It is not authorized for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis.

People with severe kidney or liver impairment may not be candidates. Use is not recommended with certain medications that depend on CYP3A for clearance or strongly induce it. Your healthcare professional will screen for drug interactions and overall suitability before prescribing the therapy.

Dosage and Usage

Start treatment as soon as possible after symptom onset, and within five days of first symptoms per labeling. Take the tablets by mouth twice daily for five days, with or without food. Swallow each tablet whole; do not split, chew, or crush. Take both components together at the same time of day.

Follow your prescriber’s exact instructions and the official label. If your clinician adjusts the regimen for kidney function or interactions, use only the pack dispensed for you. The standard adult schedule often references Paxlovid 300/100 mg; your prescriber will confirm what is appropriate.

If you need reminders, set alarms or use a pill organizer. Keep a simple log to track the morning and evening doses during the five-day course.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is supplied as a co-pack of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir tablets in blister cards for a five-day course. Common packaging includes a combination totaling 300 mg/100 mg per dose for adults, but availability may vary by jurisdiction and clinical need. Your pharmacist will dispense the correct pack based on the prescription.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose and it is within about 8 hours of the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 8 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once. Do not extend the course beyond five days unless specifically directed by your prescriber.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the tablets at room temperature in the original blister packaging. Keep the pack dry and away from excessive heat. Protect from light and keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, carry your medication in your hand luggage along with a copy of your prescription. If you cross borders, keep the original label to support screening. Our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required for safe fulfilment.

Benefits

This oral combination can be started quickly at home. The short five-day course may help eligible patients lower the risk of severe outcomes when used promptly per label. As a tablet therapy, it avoids infusion visits. The clear schedule and blister-card layout support adherence during isolation.

Side Effects and Safety

• Taste changes, often described as bitter or metallic
• Diarrhea or soft stools
• Headache or muscle aches
• Temporary rise in blood pressure
• Nausea or stomach discomfort

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include signs of liver problems, severe allergic reactions, or significant drug interaction effects. Rarely, some patients report symptom “rebound” after completing therapy; discuss testing and isolation guidance with a clinician if symptoms return. If you have undiagnosed HIV-1, ritonavir could potentially select for resistance; your prescriber will consider this risk.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Many medicines can be affected. Contraindicated or not recommended drugs include certain antiarrhythmics, sedatives, ergot derivatives, some anticonvulsants, rifampin, St. John’s wort, and others. Some statins and calcium channel blockers may need to be held or adjusted. Hormonal contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol may have reduced effectiveness; consider back-up methods during treatment and for a short time after. Provide a full medication list, including supplements and inhalers, to your prescriber and pharmacist.

For respiratory comorbidities, you can review maintenance therapies like Symbicort or Qvar Aerosol Inhaler with your clinician, as appropriate for underlying conditions—not for treating acute COVID-19.

What to Expect Over Time

Many patients start the treatment early and continue isolation precautions per public health guidance. Symptoms may improve over several days, though individual courses vary. Some people feel altered taste during therapy that resolves after finishing. If symptoms recur, contact your prescriber for advice on testing and supportive care. Keep hydrated, rest, and continue any approved home monitoring as instructed by your clinician. Consistent dosing helps the regimen work as intended.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options include remdesivir infusions and molnupiravir capsules when appropriate. Access pathways can differ by clinic and timing. To explore more therapies, see our Antivirals category and the COVID-19 page for context. For broader reading on related topics, you can review Metformin And COVID-19, Metformin And Vitamin D, and COVID-19 Outcomes.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy pricing can offer meaningful savings for U.S. patients paying cash. If you are comparing options, review the Paxlovid cost on the product page after your account is set up. We provide clear pack details and current availability. Your prescription will be validated before fulfilment. For general respiratory wellness content, see Respiratory Care Week. We support US shipping from Canada with encrypted checkout.

Savings tip: Ask your prescriber about eligibility and timing, since proper initiation can limit additional visits. If you have coverage through an assistance program, compare those terms with Canadian cash-pay options.

Pricing steps: Create your account, upload or have your clinician send the prescription, then view the available pack and current pricing before you place your order.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by location and season. If a pack is unavailable, your prescriber may consider an alternative therapy based on current guidelines and your medical history. We cannot promise restock dates. Your clinician’s guidance on timing and options will lead the decision.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy is suited for adults with confirmed COVID-19 who meet risk criteria and can start promptly. It is not designed for prevention or for patients already requiring hospitalization for severe disease. People with complex medication lists or organ impairment require careful review for interactions and safety.

• Adherence aids: set alarms and use a dose log
• One course only: do not extend without guidance
• Plan ahead: have your prescriber send the script promptly
• Travel-ready: carry labeled packaging and documentation
• Cost planning: compare assistance programs with Canadian cash-pay

Because the course is short, there is no multi-month supply. Avoid stockpiling. If you anticipate travel during respiratory season, speak with your clinician in advance about care plans and documentation needs.

Explore background topics like Discussing Conditions with your clinician to prepare for prescription screening.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Am I eligible based on current risk factors and timing?
• Could any of my medications interact with this treatment?
• What signs should prompt me to seek urgent care?
• How should I manage isolation and testing while on therapy?
• What should I do if symptoms return after finishing the course?
• Are there alternatives if I cannot use this medicine?

Authoritative Sources

Pfizer Product Page

FDA Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? If your prescriber has approved therapy, you can upload your script and buy Paxlovid online with prompt, express shipping. Ships from Canada to US. Prescription required; information here is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.