How does Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill work and who will get it? – CBC

Health Canada has approved the antiviral Paxlovid for use in those aged 18 and older

Jan 25, 2022

Now that Health Canada has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 therapeutic Paxlovid for use in people 18 and older, CBC News has been receiving questions about how it works and what its limitations are.

For starters, it’s an oral antiviral treatment. In other words, pills that help you fight off the symptoms of COVID-19.

But here’s a closer look at the ins and outs of the treatment.

How does it work?
Paxlovid consists of two antiviral drugs packaged together: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.

Patients take three pills twice a day: two of nirmatrelvir and one of ritonavir. In total, the full course of treatment requires you take 30 pills over the span of five days.

How does Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill work and who will get it? – CBC

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