Merck COVID-19 Treatment Pill: What You Need to Know

It is available via prescription only.

The other available antiviral treatment, a pill from Pfizer called Paxlovid, was authorized the day prior.

Who Is At High Risk for Severe COVID-19?

Molnupiravir, which has alreadyreceived authorization in the United Kingdom, is given as a pill.

The total regimen consists of 40 tablets, and is not authorized for use beyond five consecutive days.

People who are unvaccinated are more likely to get COVID and become seriously ill if they do.

Molnupiravir keeps the COVID virus from replicating its genetic material.

The committee questioned whether it would have the potential to damage DNA.

Normally we would wait for more data, said Pavia.

Even vaccinated people can have abreakthrough infection, said Glatt.

Many have become reluctant to get tested, and testing can be difficult to access.

The U.S. still has a long way to go to improve testing.

The FDA has authorized a second antiviral pill to treat COVID-19.

For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.