The Government of Quebec expands access to antivirals Paxlovid to other clienteles and announces that it can be obtained from a community pharmacy following obtaining a prescription from a doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner (SNP) following a positive result for a screening test for COVID-19.
The oral antiviral approved on January 17 by Health Canada aims to reduce the severity of symptoms of COVID-19 in people at risk of developing serious complications from this infection. It would also reduce the risk of being hospitalized or dying from coronavirus.
Paxlovid treatment should be started within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Access will be possible for certain adults with moderate to severe immunosuppression, for people aged 60 and over, for pregnant women and for people who have not been vaccinated or who have only been partially vaccinated.
Access will also be possible for people aged 18 and over with specific conditions including hemoglobinopathy, renal or chronic insufficiency, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart failure and a chronic lung disease.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services adds that other conditions may be included for access to Paxlovid, such as very advanced age following discussion with a medical specialist or an experienced colleague.
The use of the antiviral is not possible in some patients due to drug interactions or contraindications. Moreover, according to the available data, the use of Paxlovid appears irrelevant in the absence of risk factors for complications.
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