On this page Show You can find translated information on oral COVID-19 treatments in over 60 languages. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) eligibility criteria of the oral treatments Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) and Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) for First Nations people. This will take effect from 1 November 2022. Antiviral treatments taken as capsules or tablets may help stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe. Courses of these antiviral treatments need to be started as soon as possible after symptoms from COVID-19 begin. People at higher risk of severe illness are eligible for antiviral treatments. Learn more about oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Senior Australians and First Nations peopleIf you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for antiviral treatments if you are:
Risk factors for these groups include:
People aged 18 years or olderIf you test positive for COVID-19 and are moderately to severely immunocompromised, you may be eligible for antiviral treatments. Conditions include:
View the Lagevrio® and Paxlovid® fact sheets on the PBS website for the full list of risk factors. How to get COVID-19 oral treatmentsIf you test positive, you should contact your doctor for advice about eligibility first. If your doctor recommends oral antiviral treatments, you will need a prescription. The medications are available at your local pharmacy with a prescription. Your doctor can send the pharmacist your prescription electronically so the medications can be either collected by a friend or family member or delivered to your home. Find your nearest pharmacy with the oral treatments. Finding an available GP appointmentIf you don't have a regular GP, or can't get an appointment quickly to talk about treatments, you can call HealthDirect's free helpline on 1800 022 222 or use the Service Finder to search for one near you. Who should not have antiviral COVID-19 treatments?If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should not have oral COVID-19 treatments. Instead, ensure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations. If you have severe kidney or liver disease you should not have Paxlovid® COVID-19 treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about alternative oral treatments. COVID-19 treatments and fertilityIf you are prescribed the oral treatment Paxlovid® for COVID-19 and you are also taking prescribed birth control 'the pill', you should use extra contraception as the treatment may affect how the pill works. Also, it is recommended you use effective forms of contraception:
Men should use contraception during and for 3 months after taking Lagevrio®. Talk to your healthcare provider about contraceptives and what is best for your situation. Campaign resources
What is the most effective antiviral for Covid?Remdesivir is the only antiviral drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of COVID-19.
Can COVIDThe FDA has authorized certain antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. Antiviral treatments target specific parts of the virus to stop it from multiplying in the body, helping to prevent severe illness and death.
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