This is a summary of recommendations and resources for COVID-19 therapeutics adapted from information provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Because COVID-19 therapeutics are a rapidly changing area of pandemic response, we encourage all providers to regularly check for updates on variant resistance, eligible populations, and treatment guidelines.
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Available Outpatient Therapies at Each Disease Stage |
TYPES OF MEDICINES
The 3 medicines in the table below are available to treat mild to moderate COVID-19. Two are medicines that are taken by mouth (pills) and one is an IV infusion. They all work by helping to prevent the virus from multiplying in your body. All 3 medicines are authorized or approved by the FDA to treat COVID-19.
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Paxlovid is the recommended treatment for most people. It is very effective, easy to take, and safe. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medicines. They may tell you to stop or lower the dose of your medicines while you take Paxlovid.
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The most common side effects are mild, such as nausea or a bitter taste. Learn more about side effects for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir.
| Treatment | Who is it suitable for | When to start the medicine | How to take the medicine |
| [PREFERRED] Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) |
Adults and children ages 12 and over who weigh at least 88 pounds. | As soon as possible. Must begin within 5 days of symptoms starting | By mouth at home twice a day for 5 days |
| Lageviro (molnupiravir)* |
Adults (18 yrs and older) | ||
| Veklury (remdesivir) |
Adults and children over 28 days old who weigh at least 3kg (about 7 pounds) | As soon as possible. Within 7 days of symptoms starting | By infusion into a vein at a healthcare facility every day for 3 days |
*Molnupiravir is not recommended for use during pregnancy and is only recommended if other treatment medications are not available or appropriate.
ORAL ANTIVIRAL TREATMENTS OUTPATIENT TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR COVID-19:
The FDA authorized two oral antivirals, Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's molnupiravir, for the treatment of COVID-19 in certain patients.
Pre Exposure Prophylaxis
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Evusheld is not currently authorized for use in the US. This is because it is unlikely to be active against more than 90% of the SARS-COV-2 variants currently circulating in the US based on the latest CDC data.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatments
COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapeutics (mAb) are available for people ages 12 years or older who:
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Have tested positive for COVID-19 and have had symptoms for 10 days or less
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Are at high risk of becoming seriously ill, including those who have been recently exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
BEST RESOURCES FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION AND LOCATIONS:
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Therapeutic Locator in Los Angeles County: Procuring Medications for Your Patients
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Therapeutic Locator (HHS) outside of Los Angeles County: COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator (arcgis.com)
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NIH Treatment Guidelines: COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines (nih.gov)
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ASPR/HHS website: COVID-19 Therapeutics | HHS/ASPR
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Side-by-side comparison table for specific drugs: Side-by-Side Overview of Outpatient Therapies Authorized for Treatment of Mild-Moderate COVID-19 (hhs.gov)
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CDPH COVID-19 Treatments site (information for patients and providers): COVID-19 Treatments (ca.gov)
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FACT SHEETS:
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Pre exposure: Evusheld De-Authorization
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Post exposure:Paxlovid, Sotrovimab, Bebtelovimab, Remdesivir (here for patients <12 years of age), Molnupiravir,
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Due to increases in Omicron BA.2 sub-variant in California, the FDA updated the sotrovimab EUA on 3/30/2022 and the drug is no longer authorized for use in California.
If you have additional questions, please email covid19vaccine@longbeach.gov or call 562.570.INFO.
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