COVID antivirals to be reclassified as pharmacist-only medicine

Pharmacists are adaptable, accessible and appropriate providers of this type of medication

Pharmacists will be able to supply COVID-19 antivirals as pharmacy-only medicines after legislative changes have been made in a couple of weeks.

The plan to reclassify the drugs as pharmacy-only medicines was announced by COVID-19 response minister Ayesha Verrall today.

“For those who contract COVID-19, we want to see antivirals used much more widely as they are so effective at preventing hospitalisations,” Dr Verrall said at a media briefing earlier today.

“To realise the benefit of the medicines in this outbreak, we have to make sure the people who need it get it when they need it.”

Antivirals are currently available only by GP prescription. However, as case numbers in the second Omicron wave rise, many doctors are swamped with patients, and some eligible people are missing out.

Dr Verrall encourages GPs to identify their high-risk patients and offer them “back pocket” prescriptions.

Pharmaceutical Society president Rhiannon Braund says the move announced today is another example where pharmacists can use their skills to provide primary healthcare.

“[Pharmacists are] adaptable, accessible and appropriate providers of this type of medication,” Professor Braund says.

A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes, but no details are available on training, service specifications, access and payment, she says. These will be “way down the track”.

Pharmac today announced it has widened the eligibility criteria for antiviral medicines: nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid), molnupiravir (Lagevrio) and bremdesivir (Veklury).

The agency reported in a media release the change will include anyone over the age of 75 years and those who have been admitted previously to an intensive care unit directly as a result of COVID-19. There will be improved access for Māori and Pacific peoples, as well as people with other risk factors.

“This will increase eligibility from two to 10 per cent of cases, so approximately 400,000 people.”

She says Paxlovid reduces the chance of an at-risk person having to go to hospital with COVID by almost 90 per cent.

Dr Verrall also urged people to get their flu vaccines and booster shots.

In the announcement, Margie Apa, chief executive of Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, said pharmacists were a good point of contact in the community for people to get health advice about COVID-19 and to recommend over-the-counter medications.