Who is eligible to receive Paxlovid treatment?

## Understanding Paxlovid: A COVID-19 Treatment Option ### What is Paxlovid? Paxlovid is an oral antiviral medication developed by Pfizer, combining two drugs: **nirmatrelvir** and **ritonavir**. Nirmatrelvir inhibits a key coronavirus enzyme, while ritonavir prolongs nirmatrelvir's effectiveness in the body. ### Primary Eligibility Requirements To qualify for Paxlovid treatment, patients must meet these basic criteria: - Age 12 or older - Weight at least 40 kg (88 pounds) - Positive COVID-19 test result - Mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms - High risk for developing severe COVID-19 ### High-Risk Medical Conditions 🏥 Qualifying conditions include: 1. Cancer 2. Cardiovascular disease 3. Chronic kidney disease 4. Chronic lung disease 5. Diabetes 6. Obesity (BMI ≥ 25) 7. Immunosuppressive conditions 8. Age 65 or older 9. Pregnancy ### Critical Timing ⏰ Treatment must begin within **5 days** of symptom onset for optimal effectiveness. Early intervention is crucial to prevent virus multiplication and severe illness progression. ### Medical Evaluation Process A healthcare provider must: - Confirm COVID-19 diagnosis - Review current medications - Assess kidney and liver function - Evaluate potential drug interactions > Important: Paxlovid can interact with many common medications. Always provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of current medications. ### Contraindications ⚠️ Paxlovid is *not recommended* for patients with: - Severe kidney disease (eGFR <30 mL/min) - Severe liver impairment - Known hypersensitivity to nirmatrelvir or ritonavir ### Accessing Treatment #### Steps to Obtain Paxlovid: 1. Get tested for COVID-19 2. Contact healthcare provider 3. Complete medical evaluation 4. Obtain prescription 5. Fill prescription at participating pharmacy The [U.S. Government's Test to Treat program](https://covid-19-test-to-treat-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/) allows eligible patients to complete testing, prescription, and medication pickup at one location. ### Insurance Coverage Most insurance plans cover Paxlovid under emergency use authorization, including: - Medicare - Medicaid - Private insurance For the latest information, visit: - [FDA's Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers](https://www.fda.gov/media/155050/download) - [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html) - [World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 page](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019) Stay informed and consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. 🌟

Who is eligible to receive Paxlovid treatment?

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