When you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and at risk for severe illness, your doctor might suggest an antiviral pill. One option you may hear about is Movfor - the brand name for molnupiravir. But it’s not the only one. How does it stack up against other treatments like Paxlovid or Remdesivir? And more importantly, which one actually works better for you?
What is Movfor (Molnupiravir)?
Movfor is an oral antiviral drug approved for use in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at higher risk of hospitalization. It works by introducing errors into the virus’s genetic code as it tries to replicate. Think of it like scrambling the instructions the virus uses to copy itself - eventually, it can’t make functional copies anymore.
The standard dose is 800 mg (four 200 mg capsules) taken twice a day for five days. That’s 40 pills total. It’s meant to be started within five days of symptom onset. If you wait too long, it won’t help much.
It’s not a cure. It doesn’t eliminate the virus instantly. But studies show it can reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by about 30% in high-risk adults compared to placebo. That’s not perfect - but it’s something.
Paxlovid: The Current Gold Standard
If you’ve heard one antiviral mentioned more than any other, it’s probably Paxlovid. That’s the brand name for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Unlike Movfor, Paxlovid doesn’t scramble the virus’s DNA. Instead, it blocks a key enzyme the virus needs to cut its proteins into working pieces. No enzyme = no mature virus.
Paxlovid is also taken orally, twice daily for five days. But it’s only 30 pills total - fewer than Movfor. And here’s the big difference: clinical trials showed Paxlovid reduces hospitalization and death by up to 89% in high-risk patients when started early.
That’s a huge gap. Movfor’s 30% reduction vs. Paxlovid’s 89%. In real terms, that means for every 100 high-risk people treated, Paxlovid prevents about 8-9 hospitalizations. Movfor prevents about 3.
There’s a catch. Paxlovid interacts with a lot of common medications - statins, blood thinners, some heart drugs, even certain antidepressants. Your pharmacist needs to check your full list before prescribing it. If you’re on too many interacting drugs, Paxlovid might not be safe for you.
Remdesivir: The IV Option
Remdesivir is the oldest of the three. It’s not a pill - it’s an IV infusion. You get it over three days in a clinic or hospital. It’s not ideal for home use, but it’s still used for people who can’t take oral meds or need more aggressive treatment.
It works by blocking the virus’s RNA polymerase - the machine that copies its genetic material. It’s effective, especially in early infection. One study showed it cut hospital stays by about 5 days in non-critical patients.
But it’s not a quick fix. You have to go in for three visits. That’s harder if you live far from a clinic, have mobility issues, or can’t take time off work. It’s also more expensive and requires trained staff to administer.
Remdesivir is often used when Paxlovid isn’t an option - say, if you have kidney problems or can’t take ritonavir. It’s also used in pregnant women, since oral antivirals like Paxlovid and Movfor aren’t well studied in pregnancy.
Why Movfor Might Still Be an Option
If Paxlovid isn’t right for you, Movfor becomes the next best thing. It doesn’t interact with most medications. That’s a big plus if you’re on blood pressure pills, cholesterol drugs, or diabetes meds. No need to stop your regular prescriptions.
It’s also easier to get in some countries. In places with limited access to Paxlovid - due to cost, supply, or prescription restrictions - Movfor is often more widely available. In New Zealand, for example, Movfor was rolled out faster than Paxlovid in rural areas because it didn’t require the same level of drug interaction screening.
And while its effectiveness is lower, it still helps. For someone who’s 70, has diabetes, and lives alone, a 30% reduction in hospitalization risk is meaningful. It’s not the strongest tool, but it’s a tool.
What About Other Alternatives?
There are other antivirals in development, but few are approved for widespread use. Ensitrelvir (Xocova) is approved in Japan and under review in the EU and US. Early data suggests it’s as effective as Paxlovid and has fewer drug interactions. But it’s not available in most countries yet.
Some people ask about ivermectin or fluvoxamine. These were heavily promoted during the pandemic, but major health agencies - including the WHO and FDA - have concluded there’s no reliable evidence they work against COVID-19. Don’t waste time or money on them.
Side Effects: What You Might Experience
Movfor’s most common side effects are mild: diarrhea, nausea, dizziness. A small number of people report headaches or fatigue. It’s generally well tolerated.
Paxlovid can cause altered taste (everything tastes metallic), diarrhea, high blood pressure, and muscle aches. The ritonavir component can also cause liver enzyme changes - your doctor will check your liver function before and after treatment.
Remdesivir can cause nausea, increased liver enzymes, and low blood pressure during infusion. It’s also linked to rare cases of kidney injury, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease.
None of these drugs are dangerous for most people - but you need to know what to watch for. If you feel worse after starting treatment, call your doctor.
Who Gets Which Drug?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s how doctors usually decide:
- Paxlovid is first choice if you’re healthy enough to take it and don’t have major drug interactions.
- Movfor is used if Paxlovid can’t be prescribed due to interactions, or if Paxlovid isn’t available.
- Remdesivir is used if you can’t take oral meds, are pregnant, or have severe kidney disease.
Age matters too. People over 65, especially with chronic conditions, benefit most from early treatment. Younger, healthier people with mild symptoms rarely need antivirals at all.
Cost and Access
In New Zealand, all three drugs are subsidized for eligible patients through the public health system. You still pay a prescription fee - around $5 for each - but the drugs themselves are free if you qualify.
In the U.S., Paxlovid is free for patients through government programs, but pharmacies sometimes run out. Movfor is less commonly stocked and may require special ordering. Remdesivir is expensive - over $3,000 per course - but usually covered by insurance if medically necessary.
Availability changes fast. If your doctor says Paxlovid is out of stock, ask if Movfor is an option. Don’t wait. Time is critical.
When Not to Use These Drugs
None of these are for everyone.
- Don’t take Movfor if you’re pregnant. Animal studies showed birth defects at high doses. Even though human data is limited, it’s not recommended.
- Paxlovid isn’t safe if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
- Remdesivir is avoided in people with very low platelet counts or bleeding disorders.
Also - these drugs don’t replace vaccines. If you’re unvaccinated, antivirals are a backup. Vaccines are still the best way to avoid severe illness.
Final Thoughts: What’s Best for You?
Movfor isn’t the best antiviral - Paxlovid is. But it’s not useless. It’s a fallback option that still saves lives. If you’re high-risk and can’t take Paxlovid, Movfor is better than nothing.
Don’t wait to ask your doctor. The window for treatment is small - five days from symptoms. If you have diabetes, heart disease, are over 65, or have a weakened immune system, call your GP the moment you test positive. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse.
There’s no shame in needing help. Antivirals aren’t magic, but they’re one of the most effective tools we have against severe COVID-19. Use the right one for your situation - and don’t let confusion stop you from getting care.
Is Movfor better than Paxlovid?
No, Paxlovid is more effective. Clinical trials show Paxlovid reduces hospitalization and death by up to 89% when taken early, while Movfor reduces risk by about 30%. Paxlovid is the preferred first-line treatment for eligible patients. Movfor is used when Paxlovid can’t be taken due to drug interactions or unavailability.
Can I take Movfor if I’m on blood pressure medication?
Yes. Unlike Paxlovid, Movfor doesn’t interact significantly with most common medications, including blood pressure pills, statins, or diabetes drugs. This makes it a safer option for people on multiple prescriptions. Always tell your doctor what you’re taking, but drug interactions aren’t a major concern with Movfor.
Is Movfor safe during pregnancy?
No. Animal studies showed Movfor (molnupiravir) can cause birth defects. Although human data is limited, health authorities advise against using it during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and test positive for COVID-19, Remdesivir is the preferred antiviral option because it has more safety data in pregnant women.
How soon after symptoms start should I take Movfor?
Start Movfor within five days of symptom onset. The earlier you begin, the better it works. After five days, the virus has already replicated too much for the drug to make a meaningful difference. Don’t wait until you feel worse - act fast.
Can I buy Movfor over the counter?
No. Movfor is a prescription-only medication in all countries, including New Zealand, the U.S., and the EU. You need a doctor’s assessment to confirm you’re at high risk and that the drug is appropriate. Never try to buy it online without a prescription - counterfeit versions are common and dangerous.
Do I still need to isolate if I’m taking Movfor?
Yes. Movfor reduces your risk of severe illness, but it doesn’t stop you from spreading the virus. You should still isolate for at least five days from symptom onset, wear a mask around others, and follow local public health guidelines. Antivirals protect you - not those around you.
