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. (Photo: The Canadian Press)
Quebec — The Quebec government is expanding access to the antiviral drug Paxlovid to other clienteles and announces that it can be obtained from community pharmacies after obtaining a prescription from a doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner (SNP) following a positive COVID-19 test result.
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 the 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 Department of Health and Human Services adds that other conditions may be included for access to Paxlovid, such as very advanced age after 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.