NH COVID-19 update: Antivirals molnupiravir, Paxlovid available

Two antiviral pills to treat COVID-19 are now available at pharmacies in New Hampshire.CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacies will carry molnupiravir, while Paxlovid will be available by prescription at Walgreens.>> Interactive map shows where COVID-19 therapeutics are available in NHMolnupiravir is produced by Merck and Paxlovid is produced by Pfizer.State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said Paxlovid is the more effective of the two, but its supply is more limited. It’s currently at 20 pharmacies in New Hampshire but will be at most Walgreens locations in the coming weeks.Health officials said the medications were bought by the federal government, so they should be free. The antiviral pills are intended for people who test positive for COVID-19 who are at risk of developing severe illness.There are potential side effects, and the medications aren’t recommended for everyone.”There are some requirements,” Chan said. “There needs to be some clinical assessment as we’ve mentioned. What other medications is this person on? There needs to be some communication with the patient and sharing of the FDA fact sheet so that the person can make an informed decision.”Visit this link to view a list and interactive map to see where each drug is carried in New Hampshire. After clicking the link, select “New Hampshire” in the “State, Territory, or Jurisdiction” drop-down option above the map to to the right.Through the federal COVID-19 “Test to Treat” program, both drugs, which require prescriptions, will be available through CVS Minute Clinic locations in Concord, Dover, Hampton, Manchester, Nashua and Salem.