To provide better access to Paxlovid, an oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19, the Government of Alberta will shift the prescription process to family physicians.
At a press conference Wednesday, Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping confirmed that plans are in place to make the drug available through family physicians. He added that an official announcement is imminent.
Family physicians are provided with the tools and training to ensure they are comfortable prescribing this medication, and I hope to announce soon that the prescription will be fully transferred to them.said the minister.
Complex system
Currently, eligible patients must go through a complex centralized system to obtain Paxlovid. People should make an appointment for a lab test. If the results are positive, they should call the special phone line HealthLink and leave a message.
According to the Department of Health, staff typically call within 24 hours to assess eligibility. If patients are eligible, they will be referred to a physician in the outpatient treatment program for a prescription.
Family physicians are preparing
Because Paxlovid is a new treatment, physicians will have the equipment to identify high-risk patients and information on drug interactions.
Dr. Ernst Greyvenstein was one of the physicians who hosted an information session for approximately 300 physicians presented by the Alberta Physicians Association this week. Some family doctors have already started prescribing Paxlovid, he says, but the overall transition has been gradual.
He explained that the eligibility window is very small, as patients have five days from the onset of symptoms to take Paxlovid. By providing access to treatment in primary care offices, he says, it should make access easier and thus help to better avoid the risk of complications.
The new process will make it possible to confirm a COVID-19 infection through rapid tests, he added.
Having access to rapid antigen tests, getting results on the spot and delivering the prescription promptly will certainly facilitate access.he said.
Alberta Health did not respond to questions from CBC/Radio-Canada about timelines, changes to testing requirements, and the number of physicians already prescribing treatment prior to the publication of this article.
Alberta has recently received additional treatments, and now that supply has increased, we are working to make it more widely available by prescription, just like other drugs.spokeswoman Lisa Glover said in an emailed statement.
However, public health authorities point out that vaccination remains the best defense against COVID-19.
In files from Jennifer Lee
Source: Radio-Canada
