▼PAXLOVID®
(nirmatrelvir tablets 150mg;
ritonavir tablets 100mg)
This webpage is intended only for use by patients in the United Kingdom.
This website aims to cover key information you may find useful.
You should also read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Paxlovid Patient Information Leaflet
This website is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional or to replace the advice in the Paxlovid Patient Information Leaflet, which should be consulted. You can find this inside your medicine packet or by clicking below.
Paxlovid has a Conditional Marketing Authorisation in the United Kingdom. This means that there is more evidence to come about this medicine. The MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - will review new information on this medicine at least every year and the Patient Information Leaflet will be updated as necessary.
Introduction
You have been prescribed Paxlovid after a detailed discussion with your doctor or a healthcare professional about your health, medical conditions and any other medicines you are taking.
Paxlovid is used to treat adults 18 years of age and older with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and to help prevent progression to more severe symptoms of COVID-19.
You have been prescribed Paxlovid because you have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and you have been assessed as being at high risk of severe symptoms.
Make sure you follow the current UK government guidance on self-isolation and testing, since you have tested positive for COVID-19.
About this medicine
Paxlovid is an antiviral medicine that stops SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) from multiplying in the body. This keeps virus levels in the body low and helps your immune system to overcome the infection.
Before taking this medicine – what you need to know
Do not take Paxlovid if:
- You have any allergies to the active ingredients (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir) or any of the other ingredients of Paxlovid (listed in section 6 of the Patient Information Leaflet)
- You have severe kidney or severe liver disease
- You are taking any medicines listed in section 2 of the Patient Information Leaflet as having the potential to cause serious or life-threatening side effects, or to affect how Paxlovid works
Other things to be aware of:
Warnings and precautions
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions, including severe allergic reactions (known as ‘anaphylaxis’) and serious skin reactions (known as ‘toxic epidermal necrolysis’ and ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’), can happen in people taking Paxlovid, even after only 1 dose.
Stop taking Paxlovid and call your doctor right away if you get any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the tongue, mouth, and face
- Throat tightness
- Hoarseness
- Red and painful skin
- Blisters and peeling skin
- Blisters or sores in your mouth or lips
Risk of HIV-1 resistance development
If you have untreated or uncontrolled HIV infection, Paxlovid may lead to some HIV medicines not working as well in the future.
Liver disease or kidney disease
Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had liver or kidney disease; do not take this medicine if you have severe liver disease or severe kidney disease.
Children and adolescents
Do not give this medicine to children and adolescents under 18 years.
Taking this medicine with other medicines
(see the Patient Information Leaflet)
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements
- Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your doctor; your doctor can tell you if it is appropriate to take Paxlovid with other medicines
- If you have forgotten to tell your doctor or pharmacist about one or more of the medicines you are taking, or if you have any questions, please contact your GP or call 119 for the NHS COVID-19 advice line.
Oral contraceptives
- Please tell your doctor if you are taking oral contraceptive pills as you may need to take extra contraceptive precautions, such as using a condom
- If you can become pregnant, it is recommended that you refrain from sexual activity or use effective barrier contraception while taking Paxlovid and until after one full menstrual cycle is completed after stopping Paxlovid treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 48 hours after the last dose of Paxlovid
Driving and using machines
- Paxlovid has not been specifically tested for its possible effects on the ability to drive a car or operate machines.
Paxlovid contains lactose (a type of sugar)
- If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product
Information on sodium content
- This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say it is essentially ‘sodium-free’
COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
Reporting of side effects
▼This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can also report any side effects directly via the Coronavirus Yellow Card Reporting site https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
References
PAXLOVID® Patient information leaflet. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13145/pil
PAXLOVID® Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13145/smpc
PP-C1D-GBR-0538 | January 2025