This combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir is used
to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in people who have mild to moderate
symptoms and have a high risk for COVID-19 complications. It helps people
who have COVID-19 to stay out of the hospital. It is not for use by people
who are hospitalized due to COVID-19.
Nirmatrelvir is a SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor. It
works by preventing the growth of the virus that causes COVID-19. Ritonavir
increases ("boosts") the levels of nirmatrelvir. This helps nirmatrelvir
work better.
This medication works by stopping the coronavirus from
growing. It cannot be used to prevent COVID-19.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get
a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily for 5 days. If you are
on dialysis, take your dose of this medication after dialysis on your
dialysis days. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, break, or crush the
tablets. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment.
This product works best if you start taking it within 5
days of when symptoms begin.
For the best effect, take this product at evenly spaced
times. To help you remember, take it at the same times every
day.
Continue to take this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Changes in taste or diarrhea may occur. If either of
these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to nirmatrelvir or ritonavir; or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- HIV infection
To avoid spreading the virus, you should continue to
take precautions such as self-isolation, wearing a mask, social distancing
(physical distancing), washing hands, and not sharing personal
items.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
See also Warning section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir can slow down or speed up the
removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they
work. Examples of affected drugs include alfuzosin, antiarrhythmics (such
as amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), azole antifungals (such
as voriconazole), certain benzodiazepines (midazolam, triazolam), certain
"blood thinners" (such as rivaroxaban, warfarin), eletriptan, drugs to
treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as avanafil,
sildenafil), ergot alkaloids (such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine,
ergotamine, methylergonovine), lurasidone, certain opioid pain medications
(such as fentanyl, meperidine), pimozide, ranolazine, salmeterol, "statin"
cholesterol drugs (such as simvastatin, lovastatin), among
others.
Other medications can affect the removal of
nirmatrelvir/ritonavir from your body, which may affect how this medication
works. Examples include apalutamide, butalbital, encorafenib, enzalutamide,
lumacaftor, mitotane, certain rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifapentine),
St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine,
phenobarbital, phenytoin), among others.
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of
hormonal birth control (containing ethinyl estradiol) such as pills, patch,
or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist
if you should use reliable backup birth control methods while using this
medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or
breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control
is not working well.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is more than 8 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.