FDA Temporarily Allows Pharmacists to Offer Paxlovid; But Limitations Apply
July 12. 2022
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer's Paxlovid to allow state-licensed pharmacists to offer the treatment to people who are eligible.
The FDA previously authorized Paxlovid for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. According to the FDA, people who test positive for COVID-19 should first consider seeing their primary healthcare professional or find a local test-to-treat site to obtain a prescription for Paxlovid.
Per the revised EUA, if a patient seeks Paxlovid from a pharmacist, the patient should present electronic or printed health records that are less than 12 months old and include blood work in order to review kidney or liver problems, as well as a list of all medications being taken – both over-the-counter and prescription. This required information could also be obtained with a consultation between the pharmacist and a patient’s primary healthcare professional.
Guidance by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) directs pharmacists to refer patients for clinical evaluation with a physician, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant licensed to prescribe drugs if sufficient information is not available for the pharmacist.
Access IDPH’s full guidance on the FDA’s revised emergency use authorization for Paxlovid.
If you have questions, please contact us by email.
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer's Paxlovid to allow state-licensed pharmacists to offer the treatment to people who are eligible.
The FDA previously authorized Paxlovid for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. According to the FDA, people who test positive for COVID-19 should first consider seeing their primary healthcare professional or find a local test-to-treat site to obtain a prescription for Paxlovid.
Per the revised EUA, if a patient seeks Paxlovid from a pharmacist, the patient should present electronic or printed health records that are less than 12 months old and include blood work in order to review kidney or liver problems, as well as a list of all medications being taken – both over-the-counter and prescription. This required information could also be obtained with a consultation between the pharmacist and a patient’s primary healthcare professional.
Guidance by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) directs pharmacists to refer patients for clinical evaluation with a physician, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant licensed to prescribe drugs if sufficient information is not available for the pharmacist.
Access IDPH’s full guidance on the FDA’s revised emergency use authorization for Paxlovid.
If you have questions, please contact us by email.