Managing COVID-19 at home

Do I need to take medicines for my COVID-19?

Managing COVID-19 at home

Most people will not require medicine to treat their COVID-19. However, for some people who are at risk of more severe disease, it may be appropriate for your GP (or other doctor) to prescribe you antivirals to treat COVID-19.

Two medicines are now available – molnupiravir (sold as Lagevrio) and nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (sold as Paxlovid). You would only be prescribed one of these medicines not both.

To be prescribed these medicines you need to have confirmed COVID-19, have mild to moderate symptoms, be able to start these medicines within five days of your first symptom, and:

  • be 70 years of age or older*

  • be 50 years of age or older with two other risk factors for severe disease

  • identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, and be 30 years of age or older with one other risk factor for severe disease; or

  • be 18 years of age or older and moderately to severely immunocompromised.​
​*if you are 70 years of age and above you can be prescribed these medicines as soon as you are confirmed to have COVID-19 even if you don't have any symptoms.1

If you meet the criteria above, it is very important you contact your GP (or other doctor) as soon as you know you have COVID-19 or have symptoms so they can assess whether these medicines would be appropriate for you.
This event attracts CPD points and can be self recorded

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