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Compare Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)
Lagevrio (molnupiravir)
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

Summary of Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Summary for Antiviral

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.

Summary for Antiviral
Prescription only

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) is used to treat people with mild-to-moderate coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) who are at high risk for severe illness. It's made up of two antiviral medications that you take by mouth. A full course of treatment only lasts 5 days. For the best results, you should start taking the medications as soon as possible, but within 5 days of having symptoms. The most common side effects from Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) include changes in taste and diarrhea.

Update: As of May 2023, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) is fully FDA-approved to treat COVID-19 in adults. But it's still under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children ages 12-18 years old.

Indications of Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Indications for
•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
Indications for
•Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people 12 years and older (and weighing over 88 lbs) who are at high risk for severe illness

Pros and Cons of Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Pros and Const for Antiviral
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
Pros and Const for Antiviral
Pros
•Works very well to lower the chance of severe illness and death in people who are at high risk and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms
•Taken by mouth, which is good for people who are afraid of needles
•Can take at home, instead of needing to receive treatment at a facility
•Only need to take it for 5 days
•Children 12 years and older can take it
Cons
•Need to take it within 5 days of having symptoms from COVID-19
•Can't use in people with severe COVID-19 illness, including those who are hospitalized
•Currently not recommended for children under 12 years old, people who weigh less than 88 lbs, or people with serious liver or kidney problems
•Has many medication interactions, some of which can be dangerous
•Won't help your body fight against COVID-19 in the future, since it's not a vaccine

Common Side Effects of Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Common Side Effects for
•Diarrhea (2%)
Common Side Effects for
•Changes in taste (6%)
•Diarrhea (3%)

Warnings of Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Common Side Effects for
•Birth defects
•Bone and cartilage damage
•Risk of serious allergic reaction
Common Side Effects for
•Serious interactions with other medications
•Severe allergic reaction
•Liver problems
•Risk of resistance to certain HIV medications

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