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In addition to speaking with your healthcare provider you can fill out this simple quiz to find out if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19.
PAXLOVID must be started as soon as possible within 5 days after COVID-19 symptoms start.1,2
If you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 speak with your pharmacist, GP or hauora provider about whether PAXLOVID is right for you.
Keeping up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses, remains one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe COVID-19.3
For those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and are at increased risk of progressing to severe disease, COVID-19 antivirals, such as PAXLOVID, can help prevent you from getting very sick from COVID-19 infection.1
If you think you or a family or whānau member are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 and may be eligible for PAXLOVID, talk to your healthcare provider now so they can determine if PAXLOVID is right for you.
Take PAXLOVID tablets every 12 hours, at about the same time
each morning and evening, for 5 days in a row.2
Complete the full 5 day course of PAXLOVID, even if you start to feel better.2
The number of tablets to take might differ from the instruction above if you have any kidney problems. Please follow the instructions from your healthcare provider. You can take PAXLOVID with or without food.2
Swallow the tablets whole – do not chew, break or crush.2
If you miss a dose of PAXLOVID within 8 hours of the time it is usually taken, take it as soon as you remember.2
If you miss a dose by more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.2
Do NOT take two doses of PAXLOVID at the same time.2
Like all medicines, PAXLOVID can cause side effects. Most of them are minor and temporary.2
However, some side effects may need medical attention such as severe allergic reaction (symptoms including rash, hives, feeling breathless or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or eyes).2
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following side effects and they worry you:2
Other side effects not listed here may occur.
Please refer to Consumer Medicine Information for the full list of possible side effects.
It’s important to take all your tablets,
even if you start to feel better.2
Contact your healthcare provider if you do not feel better after 5 days, or if you start to feel worse.
COVID-19 rebound infection can occur in up to
10% of cases within 30 days and occurs in both
patients who have taken antiviral treatment and
those who have not.4
If you are experiencing ‘COVID-19 rebound’ it is unlikely
you will become severely ill. If you are concerned,
contact your healthcare provider.4
Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about taking paxlovid.
PAXLOVID® (nirmatrelvir 150 mg/ritonavir 100 mg) film-coated tablets
PAXLOVID is a prescription medicine for treatment of COVID-19 in adults who are at increased risk of progression to hospitalisation or death. PAXLOVID has risks and benefits. Use strictly as directed. Ask your doctor if PAXLOVID is right for you. Do not take PAXLOVID: if you are allergic to nirmatrelvir and/or ritonavir or any of the ingredients; with certain other medicines that may cause serious or life-threatening side effects or affect how PAXLOVID works; if you have or have had severely reduced liver or kidney function. Use with caution with other medicines; pre-existing liver or kidney diseases or problems; pregnancy; lactation; PAXLOVID contains lactose. Possible side effects include vomiting; diarrhoea; headache; high blood pressure; aching muscle, muscle tenderness or weakness not due to exercise; changes in taste or a metallic taste in the mouth; severe allergic reaction; signs and/or symptoms of allergic reaction include rash, itch, development of hives, swelling of the face (or of the tongue, lips, eyes, throat), feeling breathless, light-headed or dizzy, feeling unwell, nausea, abdominal pain, raw, painful and/or peeling of the skin, blisters, sore throat or mouth, or fever. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional. V10423.
PAXLOVID is a fully funded medicine – restrictions apply. Normal doctor’s fees may apply dependent on access criteria eligibility.
Further product information and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) can be obtained from www.medsafe.govt.nz, Pfizer New Zealand Limited, Auckland,www.pfizermedicalinformation.co.nz or phone 0800 736 363. PAXLOVID® is a registered trademark.
References: 1. PAXLOVID® New Zealand Data Sheet. 2. PAXLOVID® New Zealand Consumer Medicine Information. 3. Unite against COVID-19. Prepare & stay safe. Available at: https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/protect-yourself-and-others-from-covid-19/ (Accessed September 2023). 4. Te Whatu Ora. Guidance on community use of oral COVID-19 antivirals. Available at: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/assets/COVID-19-/Guidance-on-community-use-of-oral-COVID-19-antivirals-003.pdf (Accessed September 2023).
This website is intended for New Zealand residents only.
© 2025 Pfizer New Zealand. Auckland, New Zealand. All rights reserved. Medical Information: 0800 736 363 or visit pfizermedicalinformation.co.nz. PAXNZ-002978-00. PP-C1D-NZL-0089. TAPS NP22067. March 2025.