AUTHORIZED USE
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the emergency use of the unapproved product PAXLOVID for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with a current diagnosis of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
LIMITATIONS OF AUTHORIZED USE
PAXLOVID may be prescribed for an individual patient by physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants that are licensed or authorized under state law to prescribe drugs.
PAXLOVID may also be prescribed for an individual patient by a state-licensed pharmacist under the following conditions:
The state-licensed pharmacist should refer an individual patient for clinical evaluation (e.g., telehealth, in-person visit) with a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant licensed or authorized under state law to prescribe drugs, if any of the following apply:
PAXLOVID is not approved for any use, including for use for the treatment of COVID-19.
PAXLOVID is authorized only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of PAXLOVID under 564(b)(1) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
PAXLOVIDTM (nirmatrelvir tablets; ritonavir tablets) has not been approved, but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA, for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with a current diagnosis of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
The emergency use of PAXLOVID is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of drugs and biological products during the COVID-19 pandemic under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner.
Information contained in this section can be found in sections 4, 5, and 7 of the Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers here.
PAXLOVID is contraindicated in patients with a history of clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions [eg, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) or Stevens-Johnson syndrome] to its active ingredients (nirmatrelvir or ritonavir) or any other components of the product.
Drugs listed in this section are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all drugs that may be contraindicated with PAXLOVID. The healthcare provider should consult other appropriate resources, such as the prescribing information for the interacting drug, for comprehensive information on dosing or monitoring with concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor, such as ritonavir.
PAXLOVID is contraindicated with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Drug Interactions (7.3)]:
Antianginal: ranolazine
Antiarrhythmic: amiodarone, dronedarone, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
Anti-gout: colchicine
Ergot derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
PDE5 inhibitor: sildenafil (Revatio®) when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
PAXLOVID is contraindicated with drugs that are potent CYP3A inducers where significantly reduced nirmatrelvir or ritonavir plasma concentrations may be associated with the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance. PAXLOVID cannot be started immediately after discontinuation of any of the following medications due to the delayed offset of the recently discontinued CYP3A inducer.
Antimycobacterials: rifampin
Herbal products: St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum)
Initiation of PAXLOVID, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving PAXLOVID, may increase concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A.
Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of PAXLOVID, respectively.
These interactions may lead to:
See Table 1 for clinically significant drug interactions, including contraindicated drugs. Drugs listed in Table 1 are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all possible drugs that may interact with PAXLOVID. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during PAXLOVID therapy; review concomitant medications during PAXLOVID therapy and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications.
PAXLOVID is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A and may increase plasma concentrations of drugs that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Coadministration of PAXLOVID with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated. Coadministration with other CYP3A substrates may require a dose adjustment or additional monitoring as shown in Table 1.
Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are CYP3A substrates; therefore, drugs that induce CYP3A may decrease nirmatrelvir and ritonavir plasma concentrations and reduce PAXLOVID therapeutic effect.
Table 1 provides a listing of clinically significant drug interactions, including contraindicated drugs. Drugs listed in Table 1 are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all possible drugs that may interact with PAXLOVID. The healthcare provider should consult other appropriate resources, such as the prescribing information for the interacting drug, for comprehensive information on dosing or monitoring with concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor, such as ritonavir. References contained in Table 1 are to the applicable section of the Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers, which can be accessed here.
Please see the full EUA Fact Sheet or contact Medical Information.
Table 1: Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions | |||
Drug Class |
Drugs within Class that are Contraindicated |
Effect on Concentration |
Clinical Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Alpha1-adrenoreceptor |
alfuzosin |
↑ alfuzosin |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential hypotension [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Alpha1-adrenoreceptor |
tamsulosin |
↑ tamsulosin |
Avoid concomitant use with PAXLOVID. |
Antianginal |
ranolazine |
↑ ranolazine |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Antiarrhythmics |
amiodarone, |
↑ antiarrhythmic |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Antiarrhythmics |
lidocaine (systemic), |
↑ antiarrhythmic |
Caution is warranted and therapeutic concentration monitoring is recommended for antiarrhythmics if available. |
Anticancer drugs |
apalutamide |
↓ nirmatrelvir/ritonavir |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential loss of virologic response and possible resistance [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Anticancer drugs |
abemaciclib, |
↑ anticancer drug |
Avoid coadministration of encorafenib or ivosidenib due to potential risk of serious adverse events such as QT interval prolongation. Avoid use of neratinib, venetoclax or ibrutinib. |
Anticoagulants |
warfarin rivaroxaban dabigatrana apixaban |
↑↓ warfarin ↑ rivaroxaban ↑ dabigatran ↑ apixaban |
Closely monitor INR if coadministration with warfarin is necessary. |
Anticonvulsants |
carbamazepine,a |
↓ nirmatrelvir/ritonavir |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential loss of virologic response and possible resistance [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Anticonvulsants |
clonazepam |
↑ anticonvulsant |
A dose decrease may be needed for clonazepam when coadministered with PAXLOVID and clinical monitoring is recommended. |
Antidepressants |
bupropion trazodone |
↓ bupropion and active metabolite ↑ trazodone |
Monitor for an adequate clinical response to bupropion. |
Antifungals |
voriconazole,
|
↓ voriconazole |
Avoid concomitant use of voriconazole. |
Anti-gout |
colchicine |
↑ colchicine |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Anti-HIV protease inhibitors |
atazanavir, |
↑ protease inhibitor |
For further information, refer to the respective protease inhibitors’ prescribing information. |
Anti-HIV |
efavirenz, |
↑ efavirenz |
For further information, refer to the respective anti-HIV drugs prescribing information. |
Anti-infective |
clarithromycin, |
↑ clarithromycin |
Refer to the respective prescribing information for anti-infective dose adjustment. |
Antimycobacterial |
rifampin |
↓ nirmatrelvir/ritonavir |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential loss of virologic response and possible resistance. Alternate antimycobacterial drugs such as rifabutin should be considered [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Antimycobacterial |
bedaquiline rifabutin rifapentine |
↑ bedaquiline ↑ rifabutin ↓ nirmatrelvir/ritonavir |
Refer to the bedaquiline product label for further information. |
Antipsychotics |
lurasidone, |
↑ lurasidone |
Coadministration contraindicated due to serious and/or life-threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Antipsychotics |
quetiapine clozapine |
↑ quetiapine ↑ clozapine |
If coadministration is necessary, reduce quetiapine dose and monitor for quetiapine-associated adverse reactions. Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for recommendations. |
Benign prostatic hyperplasia agents |
silodosin |
↑ silodosin |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for postural hypotension [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Calcium channel blockers |
amlodipine, |
↑ calcium channel blocker |
Caution is warranted and clinical monitoring of patients is recommended. A dose decrease may be needed for these drugs when coadministered with PAXLOVID. |
Cardiac glycosides |
digoxin |
↑ digoxin |
Caution should be exercised when coadministering PAXLOVID with digoxin, with appropriate monitoring of serum digoxin levels. |
Cardiovascular agents |
eplerenone ivabradine |
↑ eplerenone ↑ ivabradine |
Coadministration with eplerenone is contraindicated due to potential for hyperkalemia [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Cardiovascular agents |
aliskiren,
|
↑ aliskiren
|
Avoid concomitant use with PAXLOVID. Dosage adjustment of cilostazol is recommended. Refer to the cilostazol product label for more information. |
Corticosteroids primarily metabolized by CYP3A |
betamethasone, |
↑ corticosteroid |
Coadministration with corticosteroids (all routes of administration) of which exposures are significantly increased by strong CYP3A inhibitors can increase the risk for Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression. However, the risk of Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression associated with short-term use of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is low. |
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiators |
lumacaftor/ivacaftor |
↓ nirmatrelvir/ritonavir |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential loss of virologic response and possible resistance [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiators |
ivacaftor |
↑ ivacaftor |
Reduce dosage when coadministered with PAXLOVID. Refer to individual product labels for more information. |
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors |
saxagliptin |
↑ saxagliptin |
Dosage adjustment of saxagliptin is recommended. Refer to the saxagliptin product label for more information. |
Endothelin receptor antagonists |
bosentan |
↑ bosentan |
Discontinue use of bosentan at least 36 hours prior to initiation of PAXLOVID. |
Ergot derivatives |
dihydroergotamine, |
↑ dihydroergotamine |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for acute ergot toxicity characterized by vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities and other tissues including the central nervous system [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Hepatitis C |
elbasvir/grazoprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/ |
↑ antiviral |
Increased grazoprevir concentrations can result in ALT elevations. |
Herbal products |
St John’s Wort |
↓ nirmatrelvir/ritonavir |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential loss of virologic response and possible resistance [see Contraindications (4)]. |
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors |
lovastatin, |
↑ lovastatin |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for myopathy including rhabdomyolysis [see Contraindications (4)]. |
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors |
atorvastatin, |
↑ atorvastatin, |
Consider temporary discontinuation of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin during treatment with PAXLOVID. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin do not need to be held prior to or after completing PAXLOVID. |
Hormonal contraceptive |
ethinyl estradiol |
↓ ethinyl estradiol |
An additional, nonhormonal method of contraception should be considered during the 5 days of PAXLOVID treatment and until one menstrual cycle after stopping PAXLOVID. |
Immunosuppressants |
voclosporin |
↑ voclosporin |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Immunosuppressants |
cyclosporine, everolimus, |
↑ cyclosporine ↑ everolimus |
Avoid use of PAXLOVID when close monitoring of immunosuppressant concentrations is not feasible. If coadministered, dose adjustment of the immunosuppressant and monitoring for immunosuppressant concentrations and immunosuppressant-associated adverse reactions is recommended. Refer to the individual immunosuppressant product label for further information and obtain expert consultation from the patient’s immunosuppressive therapy specialist. |
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors |
tofacitinib, |
↑ tofacitinib |
Dosage adjustment of tofacitinib is recommended. Refer to the tofacitinib product label for more information. |
Long-acting |
salmeterol |
↑ salmeterol |
Avoid concomitant use with PAXLOVID. The combination may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations, and sinus tachycardia. |
Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) inhibitor |
lomitapide |
↑ lomitapide |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Migraine medications |
eletriptan ubrogepant |
↑ eletriptan ↑ ubrogepant |
|
Migraine medications |
rimegepant |
↑ rimegepant |
Avoid concomitant use with PAXLOVID. |
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists |
finerenone |
↑ finerenone |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for serious adverse reactions including hyperkalemia, hypotension, and hyponatremia [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Muscarinic receptor antagonists |
darifenacin |
↑ darifenacin |
The darifenacin daily dose should not exceed 7.5 mg when coadministered with PAXLOVID. Refer to the darifenacin product label for more information. |
Narcotic analgesics |
fentanyl, methadone |
↑ fentanyl ↓ methadone |
Careful monitoring of therapeutic and adverse effects (including potentially fatal respiratory depression) is recommended when fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, or meperidine is concomitantly administered with PAXLOVID. If concomitant use with PAXLOVID is necessary, consider a dosage reduction of the narcotic analgesic and monitor patients closely at frequent intervals. Refer to the individual product label for more information. |
Neuropsychiatric |
suvorexant aripiprazole, |
↑ suvorexant ↑ aripiprazole |
Avoid concomitant use of suvorexant with PAXLOVID. Dosage adjustment of aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, cariprazine, iloperidone, lumateperone, and pimavanserin is recommended. Refer to individual product label for more information. |
Pulmonary hypertension agents (PDE5 inhibitors) |
sildenafil (Revatio®) |
↑ sildenafil |
Coadministration of sildenafil with PAXLOVID is contraindicated due to the potential for sildenafil associated adverse events, including visual abnormalities, hypotension, prolonged erection, and syncope [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Pulmonary hypertension agents (PDE5 inhibitors) |
tadalafil (Adcirca®) |
↑ tadalafil |
Avoid concomitant use of tadalafil with PAXLOVID. |
Erectile dysfunction agents (PDE5 inhibitors) |
avanafil sildenafil, |
↑ avanafil ↑ sildenafil |
Do not use PAXLOVID with avanafil because a safe and effective avanafil dosage regimen has not been established. |
Opioid antagonists |
naloxegol |
↑ naloxegol |
Coadministration contraindicated due to the potential for opioid withdrawal symptoms [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Sedative/hypnotics |
triazolam, |
↑ triazolam |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for extreme sedation and respiratory depression [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Sedative/hypnotics |
buspirone, |
↑ sedative/hypnotic |
A dose decrease may be needed for these drugs when coadministered with PAXLOVID and monitoring for adverse events. |
Serotonin receptor 1A agonist/ serotonin receptor 2A antagonist |
flibanserin |
↑ flibanserin |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for hypotension, syncope, and CNS depression [see Contraindications (4)]. |
Vasopressin receptor antagonists |
tolvaptan |
↑ tolvaptan |
Coadministration contraindicated due to potential for dehydration, hypovolemia and hyperkalemia [see Contraindications (4)]. |
PAXLOVID must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and supplied by a government-approved pharmacy or medical facility.
Authentic PAXLOVID, from Pfizer Inc., may include the Pfizer name on the label and will be packaged in 5 aluminum push-through blister cards. Individual doses are not for sale. PAXLOVID will be packaged in a rectangular carton. The carton has a colorless, glossy coating that contains a repeated pattern of the Pfizer name and logo all over, and these repeating features are seen in a contrasting matte finish.
PAXLOVID consists of tablets for a 5-day oral treatment regimen, with morning and evening doses.
Patients with moderate renal impairment may receive a carton that has been opened and modified by the pharmacist to indicate a dose adjustment. To view PAXLOVID dispensing information for patients with moderate renal impairment, see the Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers. Also see the Pharmacist Instruction Sheet for Patients with Moderate Renal Impairment and the Important Prescribing & Dispensing Letter to Healthcare Professionals (Aug. 2022).
Tablet |
Embossed Text |
---|---|
nirmatrelvir |
Front: 3CL | Back: PFE |
ritonavir, manufactured |
Front: |
ritonavir, manufactured by |
Front: H | Back: R9 |
Pfizer is committed to patient safety and ensuring that people have accurate information about the investigational drug PAXLOVID, including how it is accessed and administered. We are actively monitoring for fraudulent offers of illegitimate PAXLOVID to protect patients from products that might be dangerous and lead to serious and life-threatening harm.
If you suspect the product you have received may be counterfeit, contact us at 1‑800‑438‑1985 or visit www.pfizersafetyreporting.com.
Reference: PAXLOVID Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers. Pfizer Inc.; September 26, 2022.
References:
PAXLOVID Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers. Pfizer Inc.; February 2023.
Contact One of the Following Groups
For Medical Information visit www.pfizermedicalinformation.com or call 1‑800‑438‑1985
For General Product Inquiries call 1‑877‑C19PACK (1‑877‑219‑7225)
This site is intended only for U.S. healthcare professionals. The products discussed in this site may have different product labeling in different countries. The information provided is for educational purposes only.
AUTHORIZED USE
AUTHORIZED USE
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the emergency use of the unapproved product PAXLOVID for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with a current diagnosis of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
LIMITATIONS OF AUTHORIZED USE
PAXLOVID is not authorized for use as pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of
COVID-19
PAXLOVID is not authorized for use for longer than 5 consecutive days
PAXLOVID may be prescribed for an individual patient by physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants that are licensed or authorized under state law to prescribe drugs.
PAXLOVID may also be prescribed for an individual patient by a state-licensed pharmacist under the following conditions:
The state-licensed pharmacist should refer an individual patient for clinical evaluation (e.g., telehealth, in-person visit) with a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant licensed or authorized under state law to prescribe drugs, if any of the following apply:
PAXLOVID is not approved for any use, including for use for the treatment of COVID-19.
PAXLOVID is authorized only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of PAXLOVID under 564(b)(1) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
PAXLOVID is contraindicated in patients with a history of clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions (eg, toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN] or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to its active ingredients (nirmatrelvir or ritonavir) or any other components of the product.
Drugs listed in this section are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all drugs that may be contraindicated with PAXLOVID. The healthcare provider should consult other appropriate resources such as the prescribing information for the interacting drug for comprehensive information on dosing or monitoring with concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor such as ritonavir.
PAXLOVID is contraindicated with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening reactions:
PAXLOVID is contraindicated with drugs that are potent CYP3A inducers where significantly reduced nirmatrelvir or ritonavir plasma concentrations may be associated with the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance. PAXLOVID cannot be started immediately after discontinuation of any of the following medications due to the delayed offset of the recently discontinued CYP3A inducer:
There are limited clinical data available for PAXLOVID. Serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with PAXLOVID use.
Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions: Initiation of PAXLOVID, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving PAXLOVID, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A. Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of PAXLOVID, respectively. These interactions may lead to:
Consult Table 1 of the Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers for clinically significant drug interactions, including contraindicated drugs. Drugs listed in Table 1 are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all possible drugs that may interact with PAXLOVID. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during PAXLOVID therapy; review concomitant medications during PAXLOVID therapy and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications.
Anaphylaxis and other hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with PAXLOVID. Cases of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported with ritonavir, a component of PAXLOVID (refer to NORVIR prescribing information). If signs and symptoms of a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction or anaphylaxis occur, immediately discontinue PAXLOVID and initiate appropriate medications and/or supportive care.
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic transaminase elevations, clinical hepatitis, and jaundice have occurred in patients receiving ritonavir. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering PAXLOVID to patients with pre-existing liver diseases, liver enzyme abnormalities, or hepatitis.
Because nirmatrelvir is co-administered with ritonavir, there may be a risk of HIV-1 developing resistance to HIV protease inhibitors in individuals with uncontrolled or undiagnosed HIV-1 infection.
Adverse events in the PAXLOVID group (≥1%) that occurred at a greater frequency (≥5 subject difference) than in the placebo group were dysgeusia (6% and <1%, respectively), diarrhea (3% and 2%), hypertension (1% and <1%), and myalgia (1% and <1%). The proportions of subjects who discontinued treatment due to an adverse event were 2% in the PAXLOVID group and 4% in the placebo group.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-authorization use of PAXLOVID. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Immune System Disorders: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Abdominal pain, nausea
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Malaise
Required Reporting for Serious Adverse Events and Medication Errors: The prescribing healthcare provider and/or the provider’s designee is/are responsible for mandatory reporting of all serious adverse events and medication errors potentially related to PAXLOVID within 7 calendar days from the healthcare provider's awareness of the event.
Submit adverse event and medication error reports to FDA MedWatch using one of the following methods:
In addition, please provide a copy of all FDA MedWatch forms to: www.pfizersafetyreporting.com, or by fax (1‑866‑635‑8337) or phone (1‑800‑438‑1985).
PAXLOVID is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A and may increase plasma concentrations of drugs that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Co-administration of PAXLOVID with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated. Co-administration with other CYP3A substrates may require a dose adjustment or additional monitoring.
Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir are CYP3A substrates; therefore, drugs that induce CYP3A may decrease nirmatrelvir and ritonavir plasma concentrations and reduce PAXLOVID therapeutic effect.
Pregnancy: There are no available human data on the use of nirmatrelvir during pregnancy to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Published observational studies on ritonavir use in pregnant women have not identified an increase in the risk of major birth defects. Published studies with ritonavir are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk of miscarriage. There are maternal and fetal risks associated with untreated COVID-19 in pregnancy.
Lactation: There are no available data on the presence of nirmatrelvir in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. A transient decrease in body weight was observed in the nursing offspring of rats administered nirmatrelvir. Limited published data reports that ritonavir is present in human milk. There is no information on the effects of ritonavir on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for PAXLOVID and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from PAXLOVID or from the underlying maternal condition. Breastfeeding individuals with COVID-19 should follow practices according to clinical guidelines to avoid exposing the infant to COVID-19.
Contraception: Use of ritonavir may reduce the efficacy of combined hormonal contraceptives. Advise patients using combined hormonal contraceptives to use an effective alternative contraceptive method or an additional barrier method of contraception.
Pediatrics: PAXLOVID is not authorized for use in pediatric patients younger than 12 years of age or weighing less than 40 kg. The safety and effectiveness of PAXLOVID have not been established in pediatric patients. The authorized adult dosing regimen is expected to result in comparable serum exposures of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in patients 12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg as observed in adults, and adults with similar body weight were included in the trial EPIC-HR.
Systemic exposure of nirmatrelvir increases in renally impaired patients with increase in the severity of renal impairment. No dosage adjustment is needed in patients with mild renal impairment. In patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR ≥30 to <60 mL/min), reduce the dose of PAXLOVID to 150 mg nirmatrelvir and 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days. Prescriptions should specify the numeric dose of each active ingredient within PAXLOVID. Providers should counsel patients about renal dosing instructions. PAXLOVID is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min based on CKD-EPI formula) until more data are available; the appropriate dosage for patients with severe renal impairment has not been determined.
No dosage adjustment of PAXLOVID is needed for patients with either mild (Child-Pugh Class A) or moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) hepatic impairment. No pharmacokinetic or safety data are available regarding the use of nirmatrelvir or ritonavir in subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C); therefore, PAXLOVID is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Please see Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers and Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents, and Caregivers.