Oral Antivirals
There are new treatments for COVID-19 that are administered orally (by mouth). This antiviral treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 is available under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is in the process of planning this distribution.
Currently, there are two antivirals available:
- Molnupiravir (Merck)
- Paxlovid (Pfizer)
Patient Eligibility and Administration
Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir is for the treatment of mild to moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in adults with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate.
Molnupiravir is available by prescription only and should be initated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five (5) days of sympton onset.
The following are limitations of authorized use:
- Molnupiravir is not authorized for use in patients younger than 18 years of age because Molnupiravir may affect bone and cartilage growth.
- It is not authorized for pre-exposures or post-exposure prevention of COVID-19 or for initiation of treatment in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 because benefit of treatment has not been observed in people when treatment starrted after hospitalization due to COVID-19.
- Molnupiravir is not a suibstitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination and a booster dose are recommended.
Paxlovid
Paxlovid is for the treatment of mild to moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms or about 88 pounds) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
Paxlovid is available by perscription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five (5) days of symptom onset.
The following are limitations of authorized use:
- Paxlovid is not authorized for the pre-exposure of post-exposure prevention of COVID-19 or for initiation of treatment in those requiring hospitalization due to severe or critial COVID-19.
- Paxlovid is not a substitute for vaccination in individuals for whom COVID-19 vaccination and a booster doese are recommended.
Eligibility for Molnupiravir and Paxlovid will be determined by health professionals.
Resources
Molnupiravir EUA Letter of Authorization
Frequently Asked Questions on the Emergency Use Authorization for Molnupiravir
Molnupiravir Provider Fact Sheet
Molnupiravir Fact Sheet for Patients and Caregivers
Paxlovid EUA Letter of Authorization
Frequently Asked Questions on the Emergency Use Authorization for Paxlovid
Paxlovid Provider Fact Sheet
Paxlovid Fact Sheet for Patients and Caregivers
Questions
Please contact your healthcare provider for questions about available COVID-19 antiviral medications.