Newly infected COVID-19 patients have two new treatment options that can be taken at home. But that convenience comes with a catch: The pills have to be taken as soon as possible once symptoms appear.
The challenge is getting tested, getting a prescription and starting the pills in a short window. Read more: Canada secures orders of Merck, Pfizer COVID-19 antiviral pills U.S.
regulators authorized Pfizer’s pill, Paxlovid, and Merck’s molnupiravir this week. In high-risk patients, both were shown to reduce the chances of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, although Pfizer’s was much more effective.
Here’s a closer look: The antiviral pills aren’t for everyone who gets a positive test. The pills are intended for those with mild or