If you test positive for COVID-19 and may be at higher risk for severe illness, ask your doctor about treatment to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.
What treatments are available for COVID-19?
Oral Antivirals
Ages 12 and up are eligible for treatment with Paxlovid.
Oral antiviral therapies Paxlovid (Pfizer) and molnupiravir (Merck) are products authorized by the FDA for treatment of COVID-19. These therapies require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see whether an oral antiviral is the right option for you.
How they work: Oral antiviral medications work by targeting specific proteins on the SARS-CoV-2 virus to help prevent the virus replicating within the body. It is important that the oral antiviral is started within 5 days of the start of symptoms.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies, or mAbs, are made in a laboratory to fight a particular infection, based on natural antibodies against COVID-19.
How they work: Your body naturally makes antibodies to fight infection. However, your body may not have antibodies designed to recognize a new virus like the one that causes COVID-19.
There are no monoclonal antibodies currently authorized in the U.S. for treatment if you have COVID-19. There is one mAb product designed for prevention of COVID-19, however, if you are currently healthy.
Evusheld
Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody use for prevention in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer treatment patients.
Evusheld is currently not authorized in the U.S for prevention of COVID-19
Who can receive treatment?
People who test positive for COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms who are at higher risk for developing more serious COVID-19 symptoms may be eligible for oral antiviral treatment, depending on their health history and exposure to COVID-19, and how long they've had symptoms of COVID-19.
Cost: The oral antivirals Paxlovid and molnupiravir are provided free from the federal government. Coverage of fees for administration or dispensing depends on your specific health insurance policy.
