According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), more than 68% of treatments for Paxlovid, the oral antiviral against COVID-19 now available in pharmacies, have been prescribed by pharmacists since April 1.
Since the arrival of this drug on the market in March, just over 4,500 patients – as of April 24 – have been able to obtain this series of tablets, which reduce by 89%, in people deemed to be at risk, the rate of serious complications from COVID, including hospitalization or death.
Since the establishment of the direct pharmacy distribution program on April 1, which allows access to this treatment without having to consult a doctor, the pace of distribution has accelerated. However, the MSSS is not currently in a position to what proportion the approximately 4,500 treatments sold represent in relation to available stocks. According to the Quebec Association of Proprietary Pharmacists (AQPP), more than 8000 doses would be accessible in pharmacies and others available on request.
This preventive medicine, intended for people at risk, in particular those affected by an immunodeficiency, or those not vaccinated with comorbidity factors such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes or aged over 60, can also be prescribed by a specialist nurse practitioner (SNP). The many interactions of Paxlovid with drugs often prescribed to vulnerable people, however, limit its use in many patients. It must also be taken within five days of infection to be of any use.
According to studies conducted to date, widespread distribution of this drug could prevent one in 16 hospitalizations. In clinical trials conducted by the manufacturer Pfizer, out of 600 patients who received Paxlovid after being infected, 1% had to be hospitalized, against (6.7%) in the control group (placebo) where ten deaths were also deplored.
To see in video