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

Xocova

(ensitrelvir)

Paxlovid

(nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)

Summary for Xocova

Prescription only

Xocova (ensitrelvir) is an antiviral protease inhibitor used to help prevent COVID-19 after you've been in contact with someone with the virus. It's FDA approved for adults and children ages 12 years and older. You should start taking it as soon as possible, within 72 hours of exposure. Xocova (ensitrelvir) comes as tablets that you take by mouth once a day for 5 days, with a higher dose on the first day. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and cough.

Indications for Xocova

Post-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19 in adults and children ages 12 years and older following contact with someone who has COVID-19

Pros and Cons for Xocova

Pros

Taken once a day for just 5 days
Tablets you can take with or without food
Used after a known COVID-19 exposure

Cons

Must be started within 72 hours after exposure
Interacts with many medications
Not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Xocova

Headache (3%)
Diarrhea (2%)
Cough (1%)

Warnings for Xocova

Harm during pregnancy
Interactions with other medications
Serious allergic reactions

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 Xocova vs. Paxlovid

Xocova7 tablets / 125mg

$1,350.25$1,685.45

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Paxlovid1 carton / 30 tablets of 150mg/100mg

$1,485.23$2,287.59

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Xocova vs. Paxlovid

Xocova

Paxlovid

Summary for Xocova

Indications for Xocova

Pros and Cons for Xocova

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xocova

Warnings for Xocova

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 Xocova vs. Paxlovid

Browse medications by letter

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Xocova

Paxlovid

Summary for Xocova

Indications for Xocova

Pros and Cons for Xocova

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xocova

Warnings for Xocova

Summary for Paxlovid

Indications for Paxlovid

Pros and Cons for Paxlovid

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Paxlovid

Warnings for Paxlovid