COVID-19 Therapeutics

Treatment is most important if you are at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. Treatment is more effective if you start treatment as soon as your symptoms start. This means it is important to get tested as soon as you have COVID-19 symptoms.

Treatment When You Have COVID-19

Rhode Island also has several Test to Treat sites, where patients can get tested for COVID-19 and, if they’re positive and eligible, get a prescription for treatment all at one location. Visit the Test to Treat website to find a Test to Treat location near you.

There are three authorized treatments for COVID-19: Paxlovid (oral antiviral) is the recommended treatment for COVID-19. If Paxlovid is not right for you, a healthcare provider may recommend Remdesivir (IV antiviral). If Remdesivir is not right for you, a healthcare provider may recommend Molnupiravir (oral antiviral).

Paxlovid (oral antiviral)

Who:Paxlovid is available to people who are age 12 or older, and started having mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in the last five days.

How: Paxlovid is a pill you can take at home. Your healthcare provider can send a prescription to a pharmacy near you that has oral antivirals.

Molnupiravir (oral antiviral)

Who: Molnupiravir is available to people who are age 18 or older, who started having mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in the last five days, and who cannot take Paxlovid or Remdesivir.

How: Molnupiravir is a pill you can take at home. Your healthcare provider can send a prescription to a pharmacy near you that has oral antivirals. Remember, for the safety of others, it’s best not to enter the store when picking up a prescription to treat COVID-19.

*Please consider contacting the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure your prescription is ready. Use the drive-thru lane, if available. Ask a staff member to bring your prescription to the front entrance. Ask the pharmacy about delivery options. Have a friend or family member pick up your prescription.

Remdesivir (IV antiviral)

Who: Anyone age 28 days or older (who weighs 6.5 pounds or more) and who started having mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in the last seven days is eligible for IV antiviral medications.  

How: Call your healthcare provider right away and ask about IV antivirals. You will need to be evaluated by a healthcare provider first. Your healthcare provider will refer you to a healthcare facility that offers IV treatment. Treatment takes between 30 and 120 minutes. You will also need to be monitored for one hour after the treatment. This treatment takes place three days in a row. 

Treatment Resources