
Answer:
There are currently no FDA authorized or approved drugs for post-exposure prevention of COVID-19.
Two drugs — Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir) and remdesivir (Veklury) — are the preferred treatments for eligible adults and children with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe disease. One of these treatments is also strongly recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and might also reduce the risk of long COVID. Among people who are unable to receive these preferred treatments, Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is an alternative therapy for authorized for eligible individuals.
Due to changes in strains of the virus that cause COVID-19, four monoclonal antibody therapies — REGEN-COV (casirivimab plus imdevimab), bamlanivimab plus etesevimab, sotrovimab, and bebtelovimab — previously FDA-authorized for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 and (for REGEN-COV and bamlanivimab plus etesevimab) to help prevent infection in people exposed to someone with COVID-19 are no longer authorized for use in any U.S. state. Similarly, EVUSHELD (tixagevimab with cilgavimab), which had been authorized for the pre-exposure prevention of COVID-19 in certain adults and children with moderate to severe immune compromise, is not currently authorized for use in the U.S.
Sign in as a member for more information about these drugs, including who can receive these treatments, when the treatments should be initiated to be effective, which of these treatments appear to be effective against Omicron variants in certain age groups, details about COVID-19 "rebound" after Paxlovid treatment, and what steps should be taken by people who experience rebound. Also find out how to locate in your area a "test to treat" pharmacy that can test people for COVID-19 and treat those who test positive.
ConsumerLab will update this article when and if other post-exposure prophylaxis treatments become available.
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Mary20019
July 14, 2024My husband was 80 and I was 82 when we caught Covid-19 in late 2020. His case was very mild. We were not vaccinated. We were given hydroxychloroquine, Vit D and an antiviral Rx and I was on the couch watching tv in 24 hrs. Windows open for fresh air. No respiratory problems at all. We were tired for a ~month and then felt just fine. No aftermath.
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Robert16032
November 29, 2022I tested positive early in October and my symptoms were less than that of a common cold: fever lasting 3 days topping at100, slight sore throat for two days, and all symptoms gone after three days. I took the pills mentioned on the third day. I stayed home five days after symptoms ended to keep others safe. I an 76 years old.
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Karenjaninaz
September 09, 2022Was given Paxlovid, when my husband tested positive in day one, preventively. I was beg and no symptoms. My husbands symptoms improved and by day 5 we thought we were free and I had escaped infection. I am 80, on steroid therapy for PMR and have asthma. Then my husband had “sniffles” and again developed symptoms. I then caught it from him after testing neg 4x. I started symptoms- tested + Given monoclonal antibodies the next day. Very rapid improvement in symptoms in 24 hours. Husband still coughing.and Testing +
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SRose
June 15, 2022I tested positive for COVID and took molnupiravir within 2 days. I am 63 yrs old and healthy. I felt better after about 5 days, but then had what I believe to be rebound events at around day 14 and day 18. The original sickness was mostly respiratory, but the rebounds were extreme vertigo, nausea, and extreme fatigue. The 2nd time I spent most of 30 hours in bed sleeping. I can think of no other reason for these days of illness. After that I took it really easy and at day 30 am feeling pretty normal.
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Linda16023
May 09, 2022The government's "test to treat" policy is a nonstarter in my rural area. I'm 80 years old, have asthma, and on May 8, 2022, tested positive for Covid (using the home test). The local test to treat pharmacy would not provide any antiviral treatment without a prescription from a medical provider. The earliest appointment to see a medial provider is two weeks away. I'm fortunate to have a mild case that I'm treating with OTC medications. I called my local health department to report my positive status and was advised they are not interested in positive cases determined via home test kits. While the Covid cases in my region are increasing, the published numbers can't be accurate since the home test kit results are being ignored. Such a strange landscape we're now in.
Deb18665
February 08, 2024Thank you for sharing what has happened and is happening.
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Christine16017
February 23, 2022I was just recently treated with Paxlovid due to my second round of COVID. I have asthma, Type 2 Diabetes, and have a neurological disease. The last two times I have had respiratory infections, I was almost admitted due to the asthma issues (COVID pneumonia the first time, and RSV the second). This second round of COVID had me dealing with the asthma issues again and my military primary care doctor started me on Paxlovid on day 3 of symptoms. The medication helped me to recover much faster, and this was the first time I didn't have to go to the ER for asthma/steroids. I would say it helped me tremendously! I am non-vaccinated (don't plan to get the vaccine) and it was very helpful for my viral infection. The only bad thing I could say about it was that the taste 24 hours a day was like I had an alcohol or nail polish remover wipe in my mouth. I had no other side effects. I would use it again if I needed to.
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Deborah16006
September 22, 2021I have read that the government has now restricted the supply of regeneron. what is going on now?
We've added information about this in the answer above.
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