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Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

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

Lagevrio

(molnupiravir)

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Paxlovid

(nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

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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 an antiviral used to treat mild-to-moderate coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in people who are at high risk for severe illness. It's taken by mouth twice daily for 5 days. Some common side effects include changes in taste and diarrhea. Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) can interact with other medications, like blood thinners or certain blood pressure medications, so your healthcare team will review your medication list before you start treatment. This medication is likely safe to take during pregnancy, but more research is needed in this area.

Note: Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) 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 for Paxlovid

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

Pros and Cons for Paxlovid

Pros

  • Taken by mouth, 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
  • Option for children ages 12 years and older

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
  • Has many medication interactions
  • Won't help your body fight against COVID-19 in the future, since it's not a vaccine

Common Side Effects for Paxlovid

  • Changes in taste (6%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)

Warnings for Paxlovid

  • Serious interactions with other medications
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Liver problems
  • Risk of resistance to certain HIV medications

Prices with our coupons for Lagevrio vs. Paxlovid

Price Card Drug Icon
Lagevrio40 capsules / 200mg
$1,011.18-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Paxlovid1 carton / 30 tablets of 150mg/100mg
$1,485.23-
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