From the Guidelines
The out-of-pocket cost for Paxlovid can range from $0 with insurance to around $530 for a standard 5-day treatment course at retail price without insurance. However, there are several ways to reduce this cost, such as patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer Pfizer, state programs, community health centers, and discount prescription cards 1. GoodRx and similar discount services may offer Paxlovid for approximately $350-500 without insurance. It's essential to note that the cost of Paxlovid reflects its status as an effective antiviral treatment for COVID-19 that can reduce hospitalization risk when taken within 5 days of symptom onset, particularly for high-risk individuals. Some key points to consider when evaluating the cost of Paxlovid include:
- Insurance coverage: With insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for Paxlovid may be significantly lower or even $0.
- Patient assistance programs: Manufacturer Pfizer offers patient assistance programs that can reduce or eliminate the cost for eligible individuals.
- Discount prescription cards: Community health centers, state programs, and discount prescription cards can help lower the price of Paxlovid.
- Retail price: Without insurance, the retail price of Paxlovid can range from $350-500 for a 5-day treatment course. It's crucial to weigh the cost of Paxlovid against its potential benefits in reducing hospitalization risk and improving outcomes for individuals with COVID-19, particularly those at high risk 1.
From the Research
Cost of Paxlovid
- The cost of Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is mentioned that high-risk patients should prioritize COVID-19 vaccination, which is a more cost-effective approach than antivirals against severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia 2.
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of Paxlovid and other antivirals in treating COVID-19, but do not provide information on the out-of-pocket cost of Paxlovid.
Availability and Prescription of Paxlovid
- Paxlovid is available for the treatment of outpatients with COVID-19 who are at risk for progression 3, 4, 5.
- The prescription of COVID-19 antivirals, including Paxlovid, should be carefully scrutinized by double opinion, not only to contain health care costs but also to reduce the risk of generating resistant SARS-CoV-2 strains 2.
- Paxlovid is recommended for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at risk for progression, and should be started within 5 days of symptoms onset and given for 5 days' duration 3.
Comparison with Other Antivirals
- Paxlovid has been compared to other antivirals, such as molnupiravir and remdesivir, in terms of efficacy and safety in treating COVID-19 5, 6.
- The studies suggest that Paxlovid is effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death in patients with COVID-19, but the cost of Paxlovid is not compared to other antivirals in the provided studies.