COVID pills are now available in Kansas. Here’s what to know

Two at-home COVID-19 pill treatments have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for patients who test positive for the coronavirus. Both Pfizer and Merck’s pills have been authorized for emergency use as omicron continues to spread, but a doctor needs to prescribe you them first.

For you to receive the pills, you must have tested positive for COVID-19 and be considered high-risk for developing severe illness as a result of the coronavirus, as determined by a prescribing doctor. The pills are designed to prevent hospitalizations and death in patients that get sick from the virus.

Adults can use either pill, but children ages 12-18 can only take Pfizer’s. Both pills should be taken as soon as you test positive and within five days of the first symptom.

Pfizer and Merck’s COVID-19 pills are available at select pharmacies.

WHERE ARE THE COVID-19 PILLS?

As of Dec. 29, the COVID-19 pills are now in select Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in Kansas. You can search this database to see if they’re stocked at a pharmacy near you.

In Wichita, the COVID-19 pills can be found at the Walmart at Pawnee and Broadway.

HOW CAN I GET THEM?

With a valid prescription, they’re available at no cost to eligible patients. You can ask your healthcare provider to send your prescription to a pharmacy that has the COVID-19 pills in stock.

Your prescription is curbside pickup or drive-thru only. Do not enter the store. Stock will vary from each store, so be sure to make sure that they have the medication available.

This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 12:21 PM with the headline "COVID pills are now available in Kansas. Here’s what to know."