A client who takes simvastatin is prescribed a 5-day course of nirmatrelvir with ritonavir. Which action should the nurse take?

• 1 Administer simvastatin throughout the 5-day antiviral course and monitor only the client temperature for evidence of interaction.
• 2 Hold simvastatin under the authorized plan from at least 12 hours before PAXLOVID until 5 days after the 5-day course ends. ✓ Correct answer
• 3 Double the simvastatin dose while ritonavir is used because the antiviral lowers statin exposure and muscle-toxicity risk.
• 4 Cancel the antiviral regimen permanently and continue simvastatin without asking the prescriber or pharmacist about interaction management.

For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.