Compare Paxlovid vs. Tamiflu
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) are both antiviral medications used to treat viral infections, but they target different viruses. Paxlovid is used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk for severe illness, while Tamiflu is used to treat and prevent the flu (types A and B). Paxlovid is a combination of two protease inhibitors, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, and is taken as three tablets every 12 hours for 5 days. Tamiflu is a neuraminidase inhibitor and is typically taken as one capsule twice daily for 5 days for treatment or once daily for prevention. Paxlovid is FDA-approved for adults and under emergency use authorization for children 12-18 years old, whereas Tamiflu can be used in children as young as 2 weeks old. Common side effects of Paxlovid include changes in taste and diarrhea, while Tamiflu may cause nausea and vomiting. Paxlovid has many drug interactions due to its effect on liver enzymes, whereas Tamiflu has fewer interactions but can affect the nasal spray flu vaccine. Both medications require a prescription, but Tamiflu is available in a lower-cost generic form.
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
Summary of Paxlovid vs. Tamiflu
Summary for AntiviralPrescription onlyPaxlovid (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. <br> 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.
Summary for AntiviralPrescription onlyTamiflu (oseltamivir) works well to treat the flu, but you have to take your first dose within 48 hours of the start of your flu symptoms. It can also help prevent the flu if you've recently been in close contact with someone who has the flu. Kids as young as 2 weeks old can take Tamiflu (oseltamivir), but keep in mind that the pediatric dosing is different than adult dosing. It's only available with a prescription (not available over the counter), so don't wait to see your provider if you start feeling sick. This medication comes as a brand or generic capsule or fruit-flavored liquid. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can cause side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Indications of Paxlovid vs. Tamiflu
Indications for•Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people ages 12 years and older (and weighing over 88 lbs) who are at high risk for severe illnessIndications for•Flu treatment (flu types A and B) in people 2 weeks of age and older•Flu prevention (flu types A and B) in people 1 year of age and olderPros and Cons of Paxlovid vs. Tamiflu
Pros and Const for AntiviralPros•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 olderCons•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 vaccinePros and Const for AntiviralPros•Helps you feel better from the flu about 1 to 2 days sooner than if you didn't take anything•Can also help prevent you from getting the flu•Can be used in children as young as 2 weeks of age and pregnant women•Lower-cost generic version availableCons•Not a replacement for the annual flu shot•Requires a prescription from your healthcare provider•Only works if you take it within 2 days (48 hours) from when you first felt flu symptoms to treat (or when you were first in contact with someone who has the flu to prevent)Common Side Effects of Paxlovid vs. Tamiflu
Common Side Effects for•Changes in taste (6%)•Diarrhea (3%)Common Side Effects forFor flu treatment
•Nausea (10%)•Vomiting (8%)For flu prevention
•Headache (17%)•Nausea (8%)Warnings of Paxlovid vs. Tamiflu
Common Side Effects for•Serious interactions with other medications•Severe allergic reaction•Liver problems•Risk of resistance to certain HIV medicationsCommon Side Effects for•Serious skin reactions and allergic reactions•Unusual behavior and hallucinations•Reaction with nasal spray flu vaccine•Risk of bacterial infections•Hereditary fructose intolerance (for the liquid form)Prices with our coupons for Paxlovid vs. Tamiflu
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