COVID-19 antivirals likely to be added to the doctor’s bag
GPs also want clarity on telehealth rules for COVID-19 patients now that public health orders have been repealed
GPs may soon be able to dispense COVID-19 antivirals directly to their patients after the PBAC signed off on an RACGP proposal for a new Prescriber’s Bag listing.
On Saturday, the committee recommended adding both molnupiravir (Lagevrio) and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid) to the Prescriber’s Bag, with limits of two bottles and two cartons, respectively.
The RACGP’s push for the change came in response to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s lobbying to make the drugs S3 amid fears that patients were missing out on treatment within the five-day window.
College vice-president Dr Bruce Willett said access would improve if the PBAC’s recommendation is accepted by the Federal Government.
