Frequently Asked Questions
A. Both Paxlovid (from Pfizer) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) (from Merck) are available only by prescription. They are for people who have developed symptoms within five days and have tested positive either with an RT-PCR or antigen test, and who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness. To discuss your eligibility, schedule an online appointment with a FirstVitals healthcare provider.
A. Both Paxlovid and Lagevrio work to keep the virus that causes COVID-19 from replicating. Each medication works and is administered in a slightly different way. Paxlovid is administered via three tablets taken orally twice daily for five days. Lagevrio is administered via four tablets taken orally every 12 hours for five days. In addition, Paxlovid has many known interactions with other medications, while Lagevrio has no known interactions.
A. While data is still somewhat limited, in one study Paxlovid was found to reduce hospital admission or death by about 88 percent in people who had COVID-19 (compared with placebo), as long as they had received the medication within five days of symptom onset. Lagevrio has a lower efficacy rate than Paxlovid; the rate of reduced hospitalization or death was shown in one study to be about 30 percent (compared with placebo); however, newer data is forthcoming.
A. On December 22, 2021, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Paxlovid. The EUA can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/155049/download. For more details, visit the FDA at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19
A. On December 23, 2021, the FDA issues an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Lagevrio. The EUA can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/155053/download. More details about Lagevrio are available here: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-additional-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19-certain
A. It is recommended that you designate a COVID-free person to pick up your medication at your local pharmacy to avoid contact with the public. The FirstVitals nurse will ask you for the name of the person who will pick up the medication on your behalf.
A. Yes, you will need to have a confirmed positive RT-PCR or antigen test before your appointment with a FirstVitals healthcare provider before oral antivirals can be prescribed.
A. Rapid antigen test kits are readily available at most retail pharmacies. You will need to show or attest you have tested positive with either an RT-PCR or antigen test to the FirstVitals healthcare provider during the online telemedicine visit.
A. Go to https://firstvitals.com/telemedicine to schedule your online telemedicine visit.
A. For people with health insurance coverage, there is no charge or any out-of-pocket cost for the telemedicine visit. You will need to provide your health insurance information before the telemedicine visit.
A. A clinician will complete the evaluation with you on a video call. If the information you provide indicates Paxlovid is right for you, you will be provided with a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.
A. No, you can use any smartphone or computer that has video. No special software is required.
A. A clinician will wait up to 10 minutes for you to join the video call. If the clinician cannot complete a video call with you, they will not be able to complete your evaluations. If you miss the appointment, please reschedule at https://firstvitals.com/telemedicine.
A. It is recommended that you designate a COVID-free person to pick up your medication at your local pharmacy to avoid contact with the public. The FirstVitals nurse will ask you for the name of the person who will pick up the medication on your behalf.