Editor’s note: As of 11/30/22, monoclonal antibodies are no longer used to treat COVID-19. While the treatment has been effective in the past, it no longer works against the newer COVID-19 variants. The COVID-19 pills, Paxlovid, are still very effective and are readily available at many retail pharmacies.
Joe Gastaldo, MD, System Medical Director for Infectious Diseases explains the three ambulatory treatments available for COVID-19 and which one should be considered first.
At OhioHealth, we now have the availability of three outpatient COVID therapeutics. We give those to at risk people who have confirmed COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.
The option with the highest risk reduction is Paxlovid. Paxlovid has to be taken within five days of symptom onset. It is an oral medication.
Option number two is the monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies have a risk reduction of about 70 to 80 percent in the clinical trials. They have to be given within seven days of symptom onset.
The third option is the oral agent Molnupiravir. That has a risk reduction of only 30 percent and should only be given as a last resort.
Want to learn more about common COVID-19 questions? Check out our Fast Facts page.
