COVID-19 antivirals: What you need to know

Recently Health Canada approved the use of two antiviral treatments, Paxlovid and Sotrovimab, which can help reduce an individual’s risk of severe disease and hospitalization upon a positive COVID test. With both of these medications now available in BC, here’s everything you need to know about these treatments, how they work, and why they may not be for everyone.

Paxlovid

Paxlovid is the first treatment offered in a pill form that can be taken at home rather than in hospital, which must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms to n reduce the risk of serious illness. Treatment consists of three pills taken twice daily for five days and is meant to treat mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in individuals who:

• Are over the age of 18
• Have tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or rapid antigen test
• Are considered clinically extremely vulnerable (i.e. cancer patients, transplant recipients, etc)
• Are considered high risk for severe illness (i.e. elderly, First Nations communities, etc)
• Are immunocompromised

It is important to note that due to how Paxlovid interacts with other medications and conditions, some individuals who would otherwise be eligible may be unable to receive it. Those already in hospital or experiencing severe symptoms are also not eligible.

And due to limited supplies of Paxlovid and the risk of adverse drug interactions, patients are asked to not contact their doctor to request this treatment. Rather once a high-risk individual gets tested, they will be identified as eligible through a process of monitoring lab data and public health officials will proactively reach out to them.

Further information can be found in the BCCDC’s Patient Information about Paxlovid.

Sotrovimab

Sotrovimab is a one-time treatment, given through intravenous infusion (IV) by a healthcare provider, meaning it must be administered in a hospital or clinic setting. The treatment itself takes 60 minutes, after which patients must remain in hospital/clinic for an additional 60 minutes to be monitored for any reactions. Sotrovimab must be given within seven days of the onset of symptoms, and is meant to treat mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in individuals who:

• Are over the age of 12
• Have tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or rapid antigen test
• Are considered clinically extremely vulnerable (i.e. cancer patients, transplant recipients, etc)
• Are considered high risk for severe illness (i.e. elderly)
• Are immunocompromised
• Aren’t eligible to receive Paxlovid

It is important to note individuals already in hospital or experiencing severe are not eligible to receive this treatment.

Further information can be found in the BCCDC’s Patient Information about Sotrovimab.

While both of these treatments can help reduce an individual’s risk of severe disease or hospitalization, they do not prevent you from getting COVID-19 nor are they substitutes for vaccination. The best way to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

For more information, visit the BCCDC’s webpage on COVID-19 treatments and the BC Government’s webpage on COVID-19 treatments.