You Can Now Get Paxlovid Without Seeing a Provider

Summary: If you get COVID-19, there is a pill called Paxlovid that can keep you from getting very sick or going to the hospital. But there is a catch: you have to start taking it within five days of feeling sick. Waiting for a doctor's appointment can take too long, so the FDA made a big change. Now, pharmacists are allowed to prescribe Paxlovid directly to you.

To get the pills, you need to share your medical history with the pharmacist. They have to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy and that Paxlovid won't mix badly with any other medicines you take. Some doctor groups, like the AMA, think you should still see a doctor first. However, infectious disease experts love the new rule because pharmacists are the ultimate experts on how different drugs mix together.

If you test positive, you have a few fast ways to get the medicine. You can visit a free "Test to Treat" center, go to an urgent care clinic, or use telehealth. You can even use apps from CVS or Walgreens to see if you qualify and have the pills delivered right to your door so you don't spread germs.

For more details, see verywellhealth at verywellhealth.com/how-to-get-paxlovid-without-seeing-a-doctor-5649541 (opens in new tab)