BENTONVILLE, Ark. — FDA emergency use authorized COVID-19 antiviral medications Paxlovid and Molnupiravir are now available at select Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies across the nation. The drugs are treatments for the virus patients can take from home.
Walmart says the medications will be accessible while supplies last and require a prescription from a health care provider. Patients can only receive the medications by curbside pickup or drive-through pharmacy windows.
Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merk's Molnupiravir have been approved by an FDA panel for emergency use to combat COVID-19. Both pills won't stop the virus, but they help lessen the symptoms. Molnupiravir is meant to be taken by those 18 and older and lowers the risk of hospitalization or death. Paxlovid is intended for those 12 and up and reduces severe symptoms from the virus by 88%. Health experts say you need to take the pills within five days of the first symptoms of the virus.
COVID-19 Symptoms (CDC Data):
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The medication is only available at a limited number of Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies until more supplies are obtainable. Patients and health care providers can follow this link and use the store locator to check and see if the medication is available at a Walmart or Sam's Club pharmacy near you.