USFDA authorizes pharmacists to prescribe Pfizer COVID drug Paxlovid

The agency said patients who tested positive for COVID-19 should bring their health records for the pharmacists to review for kidney and liver problems.;

Published On 2022-07-08 09:00 GMT | Update On 2022-07-08 09:00 GMT

New York: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday it had authorized state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 pill to eligible patients to help improve access to the treatment.

The antiviral drug, Paxlovid, has been cleared for use and available for free in the United States since December, but fewer than half of the nearly 4 million courses distributed to pharmacies by the government so far have been administered.

Use of the pill, authorized to treat newly infected, at-risk people to prevent severe illness, has, however, jumped in recent weeks as infections rise. "Since Paxlovid must be taken within five days after symptoms begin, authorizing state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid could expand access to timely treatment for some patients," Patrizia Cavazzoni, director for the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.

The agency said patients who tested positive for COVID-19 should bring their health records for the pharmacists to review for kidney and liver problems.

The American Medical Association (AMA) said in a statement prescribing decisions should be made by a doctor wherever possible.

"It (Paxlovid) is not for everyone and prescribing it requires knowledge of a patient's medical history, as well as clinical monitoring for side effects and follow-up care to determine whether a patient is improving," said AMA President Jack Resneck.

The FDA said pharmacists should refer the patients to a healthcare professional licensed to prescribe drugs if there is not sufficient information to assess kidney or liver function, or if modifications are needed due to a potential drug reaction.

Patients with reduced kidney function may need a lower dose of the treatment, the agency has said.

People in socially and economically disadvantaged regions are about half as likely to receive antiviral COVID-19 pills like Paxlovid than those in wealthier zip codes, a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed.

Article Source : Reuters

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

USFDA authorizes pharmacists to prescribe Pfizer COVID drug Paxlovid

The agency said patients who tested positive for COVID-19 should bring their health records for the pharmacists to review for kidney and liver problems.;

Similar News

Pharmacist Duped of Rs 70 Lakh in Hospital Project Scam, Doctor Couple Booked

CDSCO Panel Asks Wockhardt to Revise Phase III Study Protocol for Nafithromycin, Seeks Dosing, Control Arm Changes

Department of Pharma begins preparations for Special Campaign 5.0

NPPA Fixes Retail Prices of 9 Formulations Including Dapagliflozin, Sitagliptin, Aceclofenac FDCs, Details

Thermo Fisher Scientific unveils Efficient-Pro Medium (+) Insulin

Novartis, Monte Rosa Therapeutics join hands for Degraders to treat Immune-mediated diseases

ZyVet releases generic treatment for Canine Urinary Incontinence in US

Keeping Medicines Without Licence Amounts to 'Offer for Sale', HC Upholds Chemist's Conviction