The RACGP is urging GPs to use their own clinical judgement when prescribing COVID-19 antivirals, following mixed messages regarding the appropriate use of molnupiravir. 

Last week, Australian Doctor reported on the confusion caused by a media report that alleged acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd had contradicted the nation’s top advisers who are advising against routine use of molnupiravir (Lagevrio).

The National Clinical Evidence Taskforce based its guidance on “high certainty evidence” from the UK’s PANORAMIC trial involving 26,000 mostly vaccinated patients with COVID-19. 

“[These] results strengthen our existing position that nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir (Veklury) are the preferred antiviral treatments for mild COVID-19 and that molnupiravir is not for routine use,” it said, while acknowledging high-risk patients such as those in aged care could still benefit from molnupiravir in specific circumstances.