COVID-19 Treatment

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, prescription medication may be available for you.

COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention or hospitalization. Older people and those with underlying or chronic medical conditions are more likely to develop serious illness.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Headache
Aches and pains
Diarrhea

For severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of speech or mobility, or confusion, seek immediate in-person medical attention.

Get the Treatment You Need

Under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), the FDA has authorized the use of PAXLOVID™ for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg), with a positive COVID-19 test, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. PAXLOVID™ must be started within the first five days that symptoms appear.

Your Alpha Provider may refer you to an in-person clinical visit if they are concerned that your symptoms require additional care.

PAXLOVID™ is investigational because it is still being studied. There is limited information about the safety and effectiveness of using PAXLOVID™ to treat people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.

Important: Alpha cannot guarantee that PAXLOVID™ is available at your local or preferred pharmacy. Due to limited supplies of PAXLOVID™, we recommend checking if a pharmacy near you has the medication in stock before you begin your consult. Please note that the one-time medical fee is non-refundable.

Learn About COVID-19 Treatment

How can I get prescribed PAXLOVID™ by Alpha?

You must be 12 years of age or older, weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg)
Be able to upload your positive COVID-19 test result
Will be able to start PAXLOVID™ within the first five days that your symptoms appeared
Have mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19
Are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death

Note: PAXLOVID™ has not been tested on or recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding patients at this time.

Important: Because PAXLOVID™ is in limited supply, we recommend checking if a pharmacy near you has it in stock before you begin your consult. Your Alpha Provider will review your medical information to determine the best treatment for you.

How much will PAXLOVID™ cost?

The U.S. government is providing PAXLOVID™ free of charge to eligible patients, regardless of insurance status. Please note that your consult includes a one-time, non-refundable $30 fee ($0 if you have Alpha membership).

Who is at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness?

Patients with the following medical conditions are considered high risk for progression to severe COVID-19:

Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease
Chronic lung diseases
Dementia or other neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
Down Syndrome
Heart conditions
HIV infection
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
Some mental health conditions
Overweight and obesity
Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
Smoking, current or former
Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
Substance use disorders
Tuberculosis

What drug interactions are there with PAXLOVID™?

Do not take PAXLOVID™ if you are allergic to nirmatrelvir, ritonavir, or any of the ingredients in PAXLOVID™, or if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Alfuzosin
Pethidine, piroxicam, propoxyphene
Ranolazine
Amiodarone, dronedarone, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
Colchicine
Lurasidone, pimozide, clozapine
Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
Lovastatin, simvastatin
Sildenafil (Revatio®) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Triazolam, oral midazolam
Apalutamide
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
Rifampin
St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum)

Taking PAXLOVID™ with these medicines may cause serious or life-threatening side effects or affect how PAXLOVID™ works.

COVID-19 Screening

Worried you might have COVID-19?

Are you experiencing dry cough or shortness of breath?
Do you have a temperature over 100.4 Fahrenheit or 38 Celsius?
Have you been in close contact with a person diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Have you traveled outside the U.S. within the last 4 weeks?

Use the CDC self-checker to help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care.

Mental Health and COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus and sheltering-in-place may be stressful or overwhelming for some people, resulting in fear and anxiety. Coping with stress can help you and your loved ones feel better.

Self-Care Tips

Get regular exercise at home or by walking
Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a worksheet of your triggers
Stay connected with friends and family
Try a new hobby
Talk to your health care provider or a health professional

Mental Health Treatment

Asthma and COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO and Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggest that people with asthma are at higher risk of getting coronavirus. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends having 14-30 days of medication on hand for emergency situations.

Self-Care Tips

Stock up on supplies
Take your asthma medication exactly as prescribed
Know how to use your inhaler
Avoid your asthma triggers
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Take steps to help yourself cope with stress and anxiety

Inhaler Tips

Concerned about the inhaler shortage?

First, don’t panic - check your inhaler to make sure it still has medicine
If necessary, you can likely use your expired albuterol inhaler as it is probably still at least partially effective
If you can’t get a refill on your metered dose inhaler, contact your allergist or healthcare provider as there are other options available which they can prescribe
It is important that you not overuse your albuterol inhaler, as one canister should last for months

Asthma Treatment