Pharmaceutical Processing World

  • Home
  • Regulatory
    • Recalls
  • Pharmaceutical Processing
  • Facility
  • Supply Chain
  • Equipment and Materials
  • Contract Manufacturing
  • R&D 100 Awards

FDA allows pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid 

By Brian Buntz | July 6, 2022

Pfizer logoFDA has revised the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s (NYSE:PFE) Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) to allow state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe the drug to some patients with a high risk of COVID-19.

While the move allows pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid, it has limits. It instructs the professionals to refer patients to a physician if there is insufficient information to assess patients’ renal and hepatic function and the potential for a drug interaction. In addition, the updated EUA requires a physician to potentially modify the prescription of other medications to avoid an adverse drug interaction. As a result, pharmacists will not be able to prescribe the drug to patients with a potential drug interaction risk who are not able to be monitored.

The FDA rules also require pharmacists to confirm that Paxlovid is an appropriate treatment based on a Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers.

To verify eligibility, pharmacists must ensure that patients have available health records from the past year with relevant documents of laboratory blood work. A physician also could provide this information to a pharmacist on behalf of a patient.

In addition, pharmacists must supply a list of medications patients are taking, including OTC medications.

“The FDA recognizes the important role pharmacists have played and continue to play in combatting this pandemic,” said Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a statement. “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 who are eligible to receive this drug for the treatment of COVID-19.”

FDA also encourages patients who test positive for COVID-19 to attempt to obtain care from a regular healthcare provider or identify a Test-to-Treat site.

All patients prescribed Paxlovid must be at least 12 years of age and weigh at least 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds). Additionally, they must have a positive test result and face a high risk of developing severe COVID-19.

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

Related Articles Read More >

Pfizer logo
Pfizer CEO tests positive for COVID-19
Pfizer logo
Pfizer and BioNTech seek EMA authorization for COVID-19 vaccination in young children
vaccine
Will COVID-19 vaccines be updated by fall? 
COVID-19 vaccine
Young children in U.S. now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

DeviceTalks Tuesdays

DeviceTalks Tuesdays

MEDTECH 100 INDEX

Medtech 100 logo
Market Summary > Current Price
The MedTech 100 is a financial index calculated using the BIG100 companies covered in Medical Design and Outsourcing.

Need Pharmaceutical Processing news in a minute?

We Deliver!
Pharmaceutical Processing Enewsletters get you caught up on all the mission critical news you need. Sign up today.
Enews Signup
Pharmaceutical Processing World
  • Subscribe to Our Free E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • R&D World
  • Drug Delivery Business News
  • Drug Discovery & Development
  • DeviceTalks
  • MassDevice
  • Medical Design & Outsourcing
  • MEDICAL TUBING + EXTRUSION
  • Medical Design Sourcing
  • Medtech100 Index

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Pharmaceutical Processing World

  • Home
  • Regulatory
    • Recalls
  • Pharmaceutical Processing
  • Facility
  • Supply Chain
  • Equipment and Materials
  • Contract Manufacturing
  • R&D 100 Awards