COVID antiviral prescriptions across Wisconsin now available

Wisconsin DHS COVID medicine Q&A

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says oral antiviral medications for the treatment of COVID-19 are now widely available across Wisconsin.

MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) says oral antiviral medications for the treatment of COVID-19 are now widely available across Wisconsin.

Wisconsinites with symptoms of COVID-19 are urged to test as soon as possible and talk to their healthcare provider to see if any one of the approved COVID-19 treatments will be right for them.

In December 2021, two oral antiviral medications received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The medications, Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir), are proven to reduce hospitalizations and deaths for patients, by as much as 88% with Paxlovid.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

In addition to oral antivirals, the monoclonal antibody treatment bebtelovimab and the monoclonal antibody preventative Evusheld are also widely available.

Individuals must have a prescription from a healthcare provider or designated Test-to-Treat site to get these treatments. Paxlovid (for people age 12 and older) and Lagevrio (for people age 18 and older) are recommended for individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who:

Have tested positive for COVID-19.
Are at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, or death.
Can start treatment within 5 days of symptom onset.

Oral antiviral pills can be accessed with a prescription at retail pharmacies across the state, including many community pharmacies, select Walgreens and Walmart pharmacies, and nearly all CVS locations. DHS is also working closely with long-term care facilities to ensure residents have access to the medications. Monoclonal antibody treatments are at many medical centers and hospitals throughout the state.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android

To find these medications at a pharmacy or Test-to-Treat site, view the DHS treatments locator map, federal treatment locator, or dial 211.