FDA Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe COVID-19 Treatment Paxlovid
- July 08, 2022
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid to eligible patients after they test positive to COVID-19, with certain limitations, the agency announced July 6.
FDA said it revised the emergency use authorization for the drug with the aim of promoting timely access to the treatment, which must be taken within five days after symptoms begin.
Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are seeking Paxlovid should bring health records and lab work from the last 12 months for the state-licensed pharmacist to review for kidney or liver problems, as well as a list of all medications they are taking so the pharmacist can screen for potential drug interactions.
The state-licensed pharmacist should refer patients for clinical evaluations if sufficient information is not available to assess renal and hepatic function; to assess for a potential drug interaction; or if a modification of other medications is needed, FDA said.