Previously, only physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants were permitted to prescribe Paxlovid.
Allowing pharmacists to prescribe any drug is very rare in the United States.
Some states allow pharmacists to prescribe a narrow list of medicationsand often only under a providers supervision.
Lara Antal / Verywell
Under the revised authorization, the FDA allows state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid on their own to eligible patients.
However, there are a few caveats.
The pharmacist must also be able to confirm a patients liver and kidneys are functioning before prescribing the drug.
What Is Paxlovid?
No providers understand drug interactions like they do.
Malani agreed, noting safety is top of mind for pharmacists.
What Should I Do If Im Sick But Testing Negative for COVID?
Other respiratory illnesseslikethe flu and RSVare also going around and can cause severe illness if theyre not treated.
How to Get Paxlovid
Paxlovid must be taken within five days of symptoms starting.
Therefore, its important for patients to know how to enter the drug in a timely fashion.
Urgent care clinics and telehealth with your provider are other ways to get Paxlovid if you need it.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Tanne JH.Covid-19: FDA authorises pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid.BMJ.
doi:10.1136/bmj.o1695
Food and Drug Administration.Paxlovid FAQs.
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