Paxlovid: How long does it stay in your system?

Key takeaways

• Paxlovid helps prevent COVID-19 symptoms from worsening, especially for those at high risk of complications, and should be taken within 5 days of symptom onset.
• Paxlovid’s half-life is approximately 6 hours, meaning it typically clears from your system in about 24 to 30 hours, though individual factors can influence this duration.
• While taking Paxlovid, it’s important to inform your doctor of all medications and supplements to avoid potential drug interactions, and be aware that you may still be contagious even after completing the treatment.

Overview

Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that helps stop the virus that causes COVID-19 from growing inside your body. This medication helps prevent COVID-19 symptoms from getting worse, especially in people who have a higher risk of serious health complications from COVID-19.

Paxlovid is made up of two medications:

• nirmatrelvir, which helps prevent the virus from replicating
• ritonavir, which helps keep nirmatrelvir in your body longer to be more effective

You need to take the medication within the first 5 days of your symptoms starting, as early treatment makes Paxlovid more effective.

Need a diagnosis or prescription for an upper respiratory infection (URI)? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

How long does Paxlovid stay in your body?

How long Paxlovid stays in your system is determined by its half-life. This is the amount of time it takes your body to remove half of the original dose of a medication. It typically takes 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to be completely cleared from your system.

With Paxlovid, each half-life lasts 6.05 hours. So, if it takes 4 to 5 half-lives for your body to completely remove a drug, it will typically take around 24 to 30 hours for a dose of Paxlovid to be cleared from your system. 

Certain factors may affect how long Paxlovid remains in your system. This includes:

• other medications you may be taking
• your kidney health
• your metabolism
• your age

You may start to feel better during or after the treatment. Paxlovid can reduce your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 by over 50%, and possibly up to 89% if you are unvaccinated.

According to some 2023 research, taking Paxlovid typically reduces the time it takes to test negative for COVID-19. It may also help clear up symptoms faster.

Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional if you have questions about how long Paxlovid will likely stay in your system.

Who should take Paxlovid?

Paxlovid is prescribed for adults and children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 88 pounds and are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.

This includes people with specific medical conditions or factors that increase their risk for serious illness.

Paxlovid is meant to reduce symptom severity and prevent hospitalization during an active infection. Unlike a vaccine, it does not offer long-term protection against COVID-19.

Are there any risks of taking Paxlovid?

Taking Paxlovid does have some potential risks and side effects. The medication comes with a boxed warning for potential drug interactions.

Paxlovid can interact with other medications you might be taking, which could lead to serious or even life threatening reactions. Due to the risk of serious drug interactions, you’ll need to stop taking certain medications before taking Paxlovid. This includes drugs such as:

• lovastatin (Altoprev)
• simvastatin (Flolipid)
• atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• voclosporin (Lupkynis)
• cyclosporine

You must wait 5 days after you have finished taking Paxlovid to begin taking some of these medications again.

To avoid harmful drug interactions, let your doctor know about all medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements you are using.

Other drugs that you’re taking may need adjusting as well. A doctor or healthcare professional will offer the best advice on this when they prescribe Paxlovid for you.

If you have liver or severe kidney conditions, Paxlovid may not be suitable for you, or you may need a different dosage.

What are the side effects of Paxlovid?

The most commonly reported side effects of Paxlovid are taste disturbances (anecdotal evidence suggests you may notice a metallic taste) and diarrhea.

Less common side effects can include:

• headache
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• high blood pressure
• feeling generally unwell

Monitoring your health and reporting any unexpected or severe symptoms to a healthcare professional is important. Remember that individual reactions to medication can vary, and not everyone will experience these side effects.

Rare but serious side effects

Get immediate medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms of:

• Allergic reactions, including:
  • rash
  • itching
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • difficulty breathing
  • severe dizziness
• Symptoms of liver damage, including:
  • yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
  • loss of appetite
  • dark-colored urine
  • pale-colored stool
  • itchy skin

————-

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Can you still be contagious after taking Paxlovid for 5 days?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and how your body responds to the medication, the virus may still spread after you’ve completed a standard 5-day Paxlovid course.

Always check with a healthcare professional and follow public health guidelines to know when the coronavirus can no longer spread and it is safe to be around others again.

How can you get Paxlovid?

You need a prescription from a medical professional to get Paxlovid. It is important to act quickly if you test positive for COVID-19 and are eligible for treatment. The sooner you start taking Paxlovid, the more effective it will likely be at treating your symptoms.

If your COVID-19 test is positive, you have several options for getting a Paxlovid prescription. You can consult with your doctor, either in person or online, if they provide this option.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

How long Paxlovid stays in your body will depend on factors such as your age, metabolism, and kidney health. It should be gone from your body within 24 to 30 hours.

Paxlovid works best if you can access treatment early, usually within 5 days of the start of your symptoms.

Due to possible drug interactions, you may need to temporarily adjust or stop taking certain medications while you’re taking Paxlovid. Be sure to let your doctor know about any drugs you’re taking, including OTC medications and herbal supplements.

—————

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.