What is Paxlovid? And how does it work?

Since Health Canada approved Paxlovid on January 17, there’s been a lot in the news about this new antiviral drug made by Pfizer, which is the first Health-Canada-approved antiviral pill for treating COVID-19.  As of this week, it is available to eligible Saskatchewan residents, as Saskatchewan has received an initial shipment from the federal supply.

But what is this pill? What does it do?

Paxlovid consists of two medications – one to block the virus from replicating, and another to prevent the body from breaking down the first medication too quickly. Those who get a prescription for this drug will be on it for five days.

By blocking replication of the virus, Paxlovid aims to reduce the amount of virus the body has to fight. It’s meant to help those who are positive for COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms and who are at risk of developing severe disease, including hospitalization or death.

“When the treatment course is given within five days of symptom onset to those at risk, it helps make the illness more manageable for someone with no prior immunity or weaker immunity to COVID-19,” explained Dr. Satchan Takaya, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Saskatoon Pandemic Chief of Staff for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). “The goal is that this will prevent COVID-19 in these individuals from getting severe enough for them to need hospitalization.”

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Tammy Frank, a social worker in Saskatoon who is fully vaccinated but immune-compromised due to a medication she takes and tested positive for COVID-19 this week, was the first person in Saskatchewan to receive a prescription for Paxlovid on January 26.

Tammy Frank, a social worker in Saskatoon who is fully vaccinated but immune-compromised due to a medication she takes and tested positive for COVID-19 this week, was the first person in Saskatchewan to receive a prescription for Paxlovid on January 26.

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A limited number of Saskatchewan residents will be eligible to receive this treatment.  More information on eligibility can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan’s webpage.

Those who meet the high level criteria outlined on the Government website can call HealthLine at 811 for further assessment of their eligibility.  Paxlovid is only being provided to eligible patients referred for assessment through referral by HealthLine 811. Do not visit your family physician or pharmacy to request this medication.

While Saskatchewan supports new treatments for those most at risk for severe COVID-19 illnesses, vaccination remains the best tool available to prevent hospitalizations and death due to COVID-19.  Immunization does not offer absolute protection against COVID-19 but improves your body's defense against the virus. It is safe and effective.

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Jason Wosminity of Saskatoon also received a prescription for Paxlovid. Despite being fully vaccinated, he still contracted the virus. As an immunocompromised patient, this drug will provide a better outcome for him than his father, who died of COVID-19.

Jason Wosminity of Saskatoon also received a prescription for Paxlovid. Despite being fully vaccinated, he still contracted the virus. As an immunocompromised patient, this drug will provide a better outcome for him than his father, who died of COVID-19.

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