Xocova
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.
What is Xocova (ensitrelvir)?
What is Xocova (ensitrelvir) used for?
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) of COVID-19 in adults and children ages 12 years and older following contact with someone who has COVID-19
How Xocova (ensitrelvir) works
Xocova (ensitrelvir) is a SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor. It blocks a protein the virus needs to make copies of itself.
When the virus can't make copies well, it's less likely to grow in your body after you've been exposed to COVID-19. That's how Xocova (ensitrelvir) helps lower your chance of getting sick after you've been exposed.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Xocova |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Protease inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Xocova (ensitrelvir)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (3%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
- Cough (1%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Hives
- Facial swelling
Xocova (ensitrelvir) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or face, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, throat tightness, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, stomach pain, vomiting
The following Xocova (ensitrelvir) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Xocova (ensitrelvir)
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
Pharmacist tips for Xocova (ensitrelvir)
- Start taking Xocova (ensitrelvir) as soon as possible after being exposed to COVID-19. You should begin treatment within 72 hours of exposure for it to work best.
- Take Xocova (ensitrelvir) at about the same time each day, with or without food. This can help you remember all 5 doses.
- If you miss a dose of Xocova (ensitrelvir), take it later that same day. Then take your next dose on the regular schedule the next day.
- Finish all 5 days of Xocova (ensitrelvir), even if you feel well. This gives the medication the best chance to help prevent COVID-19.
- Xocova (ensitrelvir) can interact with many medications and supplements. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about everything you take before starting this medication.
- Stop taking Xocova (ensitrelvir) and get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, swelling of your face or mouth, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, dizziness, severe stomach pain, or vomiting.
- Contact your prescriber if you develop COVID-19 symptoms after taking Xocova (ensitrelvir). This medication helps prevent COVID-19 after exposure but does not treat an active infection.
- Pregnancy: Use birth control during and for 2 weeks after Xocova (ensitrelvir) if you can become pregnant. Xocova (ensitrelvir) can harm an unborn baby, so tell your prescriber right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
- Breastfeeding: Don't breastfeed during Xocova (ensitrelvir) and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
- Storage: Keep Xocova (ensitrelvir) in its original package at room temperature. Keep the tablets in the blister pack until you're ready to take them.
Risks and warnings for Xocova (ensitrelvir)
Xocova (ensitrelvir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Harm during pregnancy
Xocova (ensitrelvir) can harm an unborn baby. This warning comes from animal studies, where the medication caused problems with growth and development. Because of this, your prescriber will check whether you're pregnant or not before you start the medication.
If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Xocova (ensitrelvir) and for 2 weeks after your last dose. Tell your prescriber right away if you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant during treatment.
Interactions with other medications
Xocova (ensitrelvir) can strongly affect how your body handles many other medications. That can make some medications build up to dangerous levels, or it can make Xocova (ensitrelvir) work less well.
Your prescriber and pharmacist should review every prescription medication, over-the-counter product, and herbal supplement before you start Xocova (ensitrelvir). Examples of medications that can be a problem include simvastatin, lurasidone, carbamazepine, rifampin, and St. John's wort. In some cases, your care team might need to stop, change, or closely watch another medication while you take Xocova (ensitrelvir).
Serious allergic reactions
Xocova (ensitrelvir) can cause allergic reactions, including severe reactions such as anaphylaxis and swelling under the skin. These reactions can happen quickly and can become life-threatening if they're not treated.
Watch for rash, hives, itching, swelling of your lips, tongue, mouth, or face, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, throat tightness, dizziness, stomach pain, or vomiting. Stop Xocova (ensitrelvir) and get medical help right away if these symptoms happen.
Xocova (ensitrelvir) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125mg | 7 tablets | $1,350.25 | $192.89 |
Typical dosage for Xocova (ensitrelvir)
The typical dose is 375 mg (three 125 mg tablets taken at the same time) by mouth on Day 1, then 125 mg by mouth once a day on Days 2 to 5.
How much does Xocova (ensitrelvir) cost?
$1,350.25
Xocova (ensitrelvir) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Xocova (ensitrelvir) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking certain medications that interact with Xocova (ensitrelvir)
Xocova (ensitrelvir) images
