NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
New York City health officials announced Tuesday the availability of the oral antiviral treatment for symptomatic COVID-19, Paxlovid, to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in high-risk patients within 5 days of symptom onset.
The drug can be prescribed through Alto Pharmacy, officials note.
The availability of Paxlovid has improved in recent weeks and other outpatient therapeutics are also available, including another oral antiviral (molnupiravir), monoclonal antibodies (sotrovimab) and remdesivir.
FDA grants emergency use for COVID-19 pill, Paxlovid
Providers are encouraged to prescribe or refer high-risk patients for COVID-19 treatment to reduce their risk of hospitalization and death. COVID-19 therapeutics can be given within 5 days (oral antivirals) or 10 days (monoclonal antibodies) of symptom onset and are most effective when given early. Advise patients who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 to get tested immediately if they develop symptoms or were recently exposed, and explain the importance of promptly seeking treatment if they test positive (including with an at-home test).
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