The coronavirus pandemic may not be over, but there’s a new tool we can use to resume our lives despite COVID-19. Vaccines are the first line of defense, but they’re not 100% effective. When “breakthrough” cases strike, our approach to this point has been to isolate and manage symptoms as the virus runs its course. But now we have the means to fight back.
Total Testing Solutions in Los Angeles, California partners with the California Department of Public Health to deliver the newest treatment to combat cases of COVID-19 — Paxlovid. Now, if you test positive, you don’t have to just stay home and hope for the best.
What is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is a new prescription medication developed by Pfizer to treat active cases of COVID-19. It’s authorized by the US FDA for emergency use during the ongoing pandemic to find an effective cure for the acute disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. While it is not to be used to prevent new cases, it has shown efficacy in alleviating symptoms in mild to moderate cases in people aged 12 years and older, especially those who are at increased risk of increased severity of the disease.
The medication is a combination of the antivirals nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Together, these compounds inhibit the spread of the virus in an infected person. This can help by lessening the severity and duration of the disease. It has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death in adults by about 88% when administered within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Paxlovid is administered via three tablets taken orally twice a day (morning and evening) for five days in a row.
What is the Test to Treat Program?
Through a partnership with the California Department of Public Health (DPH), Total Testing Solutions can provide you with a prescription for Paxlovid with a positive COVID test. By taking a test through TTS, you’ll be given access to a professional consultation, and a prescription for this life-saving medication, usually all within the same day.
How it Works
- Testing — If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or have begun to present symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. The key to keeping symptoms mild is acting quickly once the disease begins its course.
- Consultation — Our highly-trained medical care providers at TTS will discuss your medical history to determine if you are at high risk for a severe case of COVID-19. They’ll also talk with you about the risks associated with Paxlovid and assess whether or not you can expect the drugs to be safe and effective for you.
- Prescribing — If it’s determined that you’re a good candidate for Paxlovid, our providers will issue you a prescription immediately. Then you’ll be able to obtain your medication from a licensed pharmacy.
- Treating — You can begin your course of medication as soon as you pick up your medicine. Acting early is key to preventing a mild to moderate case from turning severe.
Scheduling Your COVID Test & Consultation
To schedule your COVID test and begin the Test to Treat process, just click here. You can use this form to request an in-person appointment or a virtual test. The in-person option will include a visit to one of the TTS testing sites and a follow-up consultation.
Alternatively, we offer virtual testing and consultation options. You’ll be provided with an easy-to-use, at-home test, and you’ll receive live, remote guidance on how to administer the test effectively yourself. Then, you’ll monitor the results and receive expert care in determining if the Test to Treat program is right for you. Click here to schedule an at-home test and virtual consultation today.
Paxlovid vs. Monoclonal Antibody Treatments
You may have heard about monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19. These treatments administer laboratory-produced antibodies to attempt to enhance the infected person’s immune response. However, this therapy should only be administered in clinical settings where access to emergency medical systems is immediately available.
Paxlovid is authorized for home use, meaning the risk of severe side effects is significantly lower. During your consultation, your TTS care provider can outline the differences further and explain the advantages of the Paxlovid approach over monoclonal antibody therapies.
COVID Test-to-Treat FAQs
Is Paxlovid approved by the FDA?
The US FDA has authorized Paxlovid via an emergency use authorization (EUA). This is commonly used by the FDA to allow the widespread use of a promising, investigational medication or treatment in situations where the severe risk of a disease doesn’t allow the time needed for a potentially life-saving medication to make its way through the full, formal approval process.
How much does it cost?
With the California Test to Treat Program, there is NO COST for the antiviral medication. TTS may charge for the testing, however.
Paxlovid vs. Ivermectin
There has been some conversation claiming Paxlovid is similar to Ivermectin. However, this is untrue. While Paxlovid is an antiviral medication, Ivermectin is an antiparasitic used to treat infections of parasites like malaria — not viruses. Ivermectin is NOT safe or effective in the treatment of COVID-19, and it does NOT have emergency use authorization for this purpose.
What are the risks?
There is some risk of unintended side effects with Paxlovid, but these can usually be prevented by properly analyzing a patient’s medical history. Be sure to discuss these topics during your consultation:
- Allergies
- Kidney or liver disease
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
- Any serious illness or disease
- Any medications (prescription and over-the-counter, including hormonal contraceptives), vitamins, and/or herbal supplements
Does my insurance cover it?
Many insurance companies cover 100% of the cost of COVID testing. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage before scheduling your test with TTS.
