Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid for COVID-19: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Lagevrio

(molnupiravir)

Paxlovid

(nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

Summary for Lagevrio

Not FDA-approved yet

Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is an antiviral medication that was given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA in December 2021 to treat people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth and a full course of treatment only lasts 5 days. Most people don't have many side effects with Lagevrio (molnupiravir). But possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. Lastly, this medication doesn't have any known medication interactions.

Indications for Lagevrio

Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for severe illness and aren't able to receive other FDA-authorized treatments

Pros and Cons for Lagevrio

Pros

Can be taken at home, instead of needing to receive treatment at a facility
Taken by mouth, good for people who are afraid of needles
Only need to take it for 5 days
No known interactions with other medications

Cons

Not a first-choice medication for COVID-19
Need to take it within 5 days of getting sick with COVID-19
Can't be used in people with severe COVID-19 illness, including those who are hospitalized
Not recommended for people under age 18 years old because of high risk for bone and cartilage damage

Common Side Effects for Lagevrio

Diarrhea (2%)

Warnings for Lagevrio

Birth defects
Bone and cartilage damage
Risk of serious allergic reaction

Summary for Paxlovid

Prescription only

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) is a prescription antiviral medication. It's used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk for severe illness. The medication comes in a pre-packaged blister card with all the tablets you need. The usual dose is taken by mouth twice a day for 5 days. Common side effects include changes in taste and diarrhea. Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) can have many drug interactions, so your healthcare team will review your medications before you start treatment.

Note: Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) is fully FDA approved to treat COVID-19 in adults. But it's still available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children ages 12 to 18 years old weighing at least 88 lbs.

Indications for Paxlovid

Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in certain people ages 12 years and older at high risk for severe illness

Pros and Cons for Paxlovid

Pros

Taken by mouth
Can take at home
Only taken for 5 days
Option for adults and some children ages 12 years and older

Cons

Must start within 5 days of first COVID-19 symptoms
Can cause changes in taste
Interacts with many medications (like blood thinners and some blood pressure medications)
Doesn't prevent future COVID-19 infections

Common Side Effects for Paxlovid

Changes in taste (5%)
Diarrhea (3%)

Warnings for Paxlovid

Serious interactions with other medications
Serious allergic reaction
Liver problems
Risk for people with untreated or undiagnosed HIV

Prices with our coupons for Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Lagevrio40 capsules / 200mg

$1,011.18$1,212.28

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Paxlovid1 carton / 30 tablets of 150mg/100mg

$1,489.77$2,243.47

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Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Lagevrio

Paxlovid

Summary for Lagevrio

Indications for Lagevrio

Pros and Cons for Lagevrio

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lagevrio

Warnings for Lagevrio

Summary for Paxlovid

Indications for Paxlovid

Pros and Cons for Paxlovid

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Paxlovid

Warnings for Paxlovid

Prices with our coupons for Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Browse medications by letter

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Lagevrio

Paxlovid

Summary for Lagevrio

Indications for Lagevrio

Pros and Cons for Lagevrio

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Lagevrio

Warnings for Lagevrio

Summary for Paxlovid

Indications for Paxlovid

Pros and Cons for Paxlovid

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Paxlovid

Warnings for Paxlovid