Timing of Paxlovid Treatment

Patient Selection and Treatment Window

The American College of Physicians and other guideline societies recommend starting Paxlovid treatment within 5 days of symptom onset, with treatment being most effective when started as soon as possible 1, 2, 3
The FDA approval and current guidelines clearly recommend starting treatment within 5 days of symptom onset, with the goal of initiating treatment as early as possible after COVID-19 diagnosis 1, 2, 3
Clinical studies that formed the basis of approval only included patients who were treated within 5 days of symptom onset, highlighting the importance of early intervention 2, 3
Paxlovid is indicated for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, those at high risk for progression to severe disease, and those with symptom onset within the last 5 days 1, 2, 3

Ritonavir, a component of Paxlovid, is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and can cause numerous drug interactions that must be checked before prescribing, such as using the Liverpool COVID-19 Drug Interaction Tool 2, 3, 4
The most common side effects of Paxlovid are dysgeusia (taste disturbance) and diarrhea 2, 3, 4