Pharmacists in Quebec are now authorized to prescribe the antiviral drug Paxlovid to symptomatic COVID-19 patients who are at risk of developing complications and who present a positive screening test result, whether NAAT test or a self-test distributed in pharmacies.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, and the Minister responsible for the application of professional laws, Danielle McCann, believe that access to a prescription from a pharmacist from one of the 1,900 community pharmacies in Quebec will make it possible to provide local care and promote faster initiation of treatment.
On March 17, the Quebec government announced that Paxlovid could be obtained in pharmacies after obtaining a prescription from a doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner (SNP).
This Friday, the authorities specify that if two days after the start of treatment, the patient’s condition evolves unfavorably, the pharmacist must refer him to a doctor or an IPS.
The oral antiviral was approved two and a half months ago by Health Canada. Paxlovid 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 the coronavirus.
Paxlovid treatment should be started within five days of the onset of symptoms. However, its use 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.
Government authorities add that it is essential that people who have a condition potentially relevant to the use of Paxlovid make sure to quickly undergo a screening test for COVID-19 as soon as the first symptoms appear. If the result is positive, they should promptly consult a pharmacist, a doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner.