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Are you at risk of severe COVID-19?
As well as talking to your doctor or pharmacist, you can take this short quiz to find out
PAXLOVID is available for people at risk of severe COVID-19 (those who may get so sick that they need to go to hospital or may even die).
The COVID-19 vaccine and PAXLOVID both help reduce the risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, but in different ways:
Most Kiwis are eligible for an updated COVID-19 vaccine, while only those who are at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 are eligible for PAXLOVID.
Keeping up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations remains one of the best ways to help protect yourself from COVID-19.
PAXLOVID is available on prescription from your doctor or pharmacist.
PAXLOVID should be started as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test and must be started within 5 days of symptoms starting
PAXLOVID is made up of two different medicines: pink tablets (containing nirmatrelvir) and white tablets (containing ritonavir).
You must take the pink and white tablets together for PAXLOVID to work.
Take PAXLOVID every 12 hours, at about the same time each morning and evening, for 5 days in a row.
Always take PAXLOVID exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you’re not sure, call them to ask.
Standard PAXLOVID dosing
PAXLOVID dosing for people with kidney issues
People with reduced kidney function need to take a lower dose of PAXLOVID – there are two different doses depending on your kidney function:
If you miss a dose of PAXLOVID within 8 hours of the time it is usually taken, take it as soon as you remember.
If you miss a dose by more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.
Do NOT take two doses of PAXLOVID at the same time.
Like all medicines, PAXLOVID can have side effects. Most of them are minor and temporary.
However, some side effects may need medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following side effects and they worry you:
Other side effects not listed here may occur.
Please refer to the PAXLOVID Consumer Medicine Information for other known side effects.
Around 1 in 10 people may experience 'rebound COVID-19' within a month of having COVID-19. This occurs in people who have taken COVID-19 antivirals and those who have not.
Rebound COVID-19 symptoms that occur after a course of antivirals are unlikely to lead to severe COVID-19.
If you're concerned, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PAXLOVID® (nirmatrelvir 150 mg/ritonavir 100 mg) film-coated tablets
PAXLOVID is a prescription medicine for treatment of COVID-19 in adults who are at increased risk of progression to hospitalisation or death. PAXLOVID has risks and benefits. Use strictly as directed. Ask your doctor if PAXLOVID is right for you. Do not take PAXLOVID: if you are allergic to nirmatrelvir and/or ritonavir or any of the ingredients; with certain other medicines that may cause serious or life-threatening side effects when used in combination with PAXLOVID or affect how PAXLOVID works; if you have or have had severely reduced liver function. Use with caution with other medicines; pre-existing liver or kidney diseases or problems; pregnancy; lactation; PAXLOVID contains lactose. Possible side effects include vomiting; diarrhoea; headache; high blood pressure; changes in taste or a metallic taste in the mouth; severe allergic reaction; signs and/or symptoms of allergic reaction include rash, itch, development of hives, swelling of the face (or of the tongue, lips, eyes, throat), feeling breathless, light-headed or dizzy, feeling unwell, nausea, abdominal pain, raw, painful and/or peeling of the skin, blisters, sore throat or mouth, or fever. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
PAXLOVID is a fully funded medicine – restrictions apply. Normal doctor’s fees also apply.
Further product information and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) can be obtained from www.medsafe.govt.nz, Pfizer New Zealand Limited, Auckland, www.pfizermedicalinformation.co.nz or phone 0800 736 363. PAXLOVID® is a registered trademark. V10925
References: 1. PAXLOVID® New Zealand Data Sheet. 2. PAXLOVID® New Zealand Consumer Medicine Information. 3. Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ. About COVID-19. Available at: https://info.health.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/covid-19/about-covid-19. Accessed 29/01/26. 4. Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ. Guidance on community use of oral COVID-19 antivirals. 1 July 2024. Available at: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/assets/For-the-health-sector/COVID-19-Information/COVID-19-for-all-health-professionals/Guidance-on-community-use-of-oral-COVID-19-antivirals.pdf. Accessed 29/01/2026.
This website is intended for New Zealand residents only.
© 2026 Pfizer New Zealand. Auckland, New Zealand. All rights reserved. Medical Information: 0800 736 363 or visit pfizermedicalinformation.co.nz. PAXNZ-004282-00. PP-C1D-NZL-0132. TAPS DA 2520EL. 04/26.