COVID-19 Therapeutics
COVID-19 therapeutic treatments include monoclonal antibodies and antivirals for the purpose of combating the COVID-19 virus. Treatments used for COVID-19 must be prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you test positive for COVID-19, including on a home test, and are 65 years or older, pregnant, or have an underlying condition that puts you at high risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, contact your healthcare provider right away to discuss treatment options. Please do not present to a pharmacy or infusion center without a prescription.
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) is an oral antiviral therapy that was granted EUA for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19.
- Paxlovid consists of two 150 mg capsules of nirmatrelvir and one 100 mg capsule of ritonavir (3 pills total) taken twice a day for 5 days to treat COVID-19 .
- Individuals ages 12 and up, weighing at least 40 kg or 88 lb, with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at high risk of developing severe illness are eligible for this medication.
- Therapy must be started within 5 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you test positive, including on a home test, and are at high risk of developing severe illness.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether any of the medications you take might interact with Paxlovid.
- Paxlovid is safe for pregnant individuals to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Contact your health care provider to review treatment options and obtain a prescription.
- Molnupiravir is an oral antiviral now authorized under EUA for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19.
- Molnupiravir is administered as four 200 mg capsules taken twice a day for five days.
- Individuals age 18 years and older, with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at high risk of developing severe illness are eligible for this medication.
- Therapy must be started within 5 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you test positive, including on a home test, and are at high risk of developing severe illness.
- The use of Molnupiravir is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Individuals who are able to become pregnant should use effective contraception correctly and consistently for the duration of treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Molnupiravir.
- While the risk is regarded as low, it is not known if molnupiravir can affect sperm. Sexually active individuals with partners who are able to become pregnant should use a reliable method of contraception correctly and consistently during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of Molnupiravir.
- Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Molnupiravir. A lactating individual may consider interrupting breastfeeding and may consider pumping and discarding breast milk during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of Molnupiravir.
- Remdesivir (Veklury) is FDA approved for outpatient treatment of individuals ages 12 and up, weighing at least 40 kg or 88 lb, with mild to moderate COVID-19, who are at high risk of developing severe illness are eligible for this medication.
- Administration of this medication is through IV infusion over 3 consecutive days.
- Therapy must be started within 7 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you test positive, including on a home test, and are at high risk of developing severe illness.
- Remdesivir can only be administered under a healthcare provider's order. Please do not present to an infusion center unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to.
- Remdesivir is safe for pregnant individuals to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Contact your health care provider to review treatment options and obtain a prescription.
Monoclonal antibody treatments are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. Monoclonal antibody treatments are given through an IV or under the skin to treat patients with COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies used for COVID-19 must be prescribed by your healthcare provider. Please do not present to a pharmacy or infusion center without a prescription.
At this time, there are no authorized monoclonal antibody treatments due to resistance of currently circulating variants.
For more information on these treatments, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health or the CDC.
To find a pharmacy or clinic that carries the oral antiviral treatments, go to the HHS Treatment Locator.
How To Get Tested
COVID-19 testing resources are available through local healthcare providers and community health locations.
Test To Treat
The "Test to Treat" program is a nationwide initiative to ensure "on the spot" rapid access to free lifesaving COVID-19 treatments for everyone.
Find A Vaccine Near You
COVID-19 vaccines are widely available throughout the city at no cost, with no government ID or insurance required.
