COVID-19 antiviral treatment

COVID-19 continues to spread easily, causing millions of illnesses each year in the United States. While COVID-19 vaccines provide the best defense against the virus, a new medication can also help protect you and the people around you if you are exposed to COVID-19.

Ensitrelvir is a new, oral, antiviral medication that you take over five days. It works by stopping the spread of the virus in the body after a COVID-19 exposure. The medication is the first and only approved post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which means it can help prevent you from getting sick and spreading the virus after exposure.

When is COVID-19 PEP treatment most effective?

It is important to remember that you can spread COVID-19 before symptoms even start. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, acting quickly by taking an oral, antiviral medication for PEP may help prevent you from getting sick and spreading it to your friends, family and coworkers. Early intervention can also help protect people around you who are at a higher risk of developing a more serious illness.

The oral, antiviral medication for PEP is most effective when started within 3 days after exposure to a person with COVID-19. In a study of about 2,000 people exposed to COVID-19 at home, this medication lowered the chance of developing COVID-19 by 67%.

How to tell if COVID-19 antiviral medication is right for you

If you have been exposed to COVID-19, talk with your doctor right away about your treatment options. The oral, antiviral medication for PEP works best when started early and may help lower the chance of getting sick. This can be helpful for individuals who are at a higher risk of severe illness, including those who are immunocompromised, have multiple health conditions or cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The antiviral medication is widely available in pharmacies.

The best way to prevent COVID-19

Even with new treatment options, the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best way for you to avoid severe illness and hospitalization. The vaccine is especially important if you are 65 and older, have a higher risk of developing severe COVID or have never received the vaccine before. Because protection from the COVID-19 vaccine decreases over time, you should speak with your doctor to determine when and how often you should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This resource is supported by a contribution from Shionogi, the manufacturer of XOCOVA®.