Big fluctuations in PBS antiviral use by state The ability to issue life-saving COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments via the PBS may have so far largely depended on where prescribers work.
Concerns over vulnerable patients missing COVID-19 oral antivirals Patients in some areas are reportedly struggling to access treatments on the PBS in a timely way, even with a prescription.
Diagnosis delays lead to PCR test push Vulnerable patients with symptoms should get the more sensitive test to allow treatment to be fast-tracked, says deputy CMO.
Text reminders mooted for at-risk COVID-19 patients The Federal Health Minister has asked department officials for advice on ways of further raising awareness of oral antiviral treatments.
Multiple rapid antigen test sponsors under investigation The revelation comes alongside TGA confirmation that a company has been fined more than $100,000 for ‘serial non-compliance’.
Government launches flu and COVID vaccine campaign At-risk patients have also been encouraged to talk to GPs about oral antiviral treatments if they are infected with COVID-19.
Relapse reports ‘don’t undermine Paxlovid capability’ Rare cases of COVID-19 rebounding after patients have taken a course of the new oral antiviral treatment have been widely reported.
Paxlovid update In this special COVID-19 episode, The Good GP interviews Professor Michael Kidd AM, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, on Paxlovid in light of its imminent listing on the PBS. This episode explores who’ll benefit from antivirals, the efficacy of Paxlovid, availability and the contraindications and interactions.
Health officials flag increased use of antivirals as COVID becomes endemic The new oral treatments are likely to play a more central role in limiting the impact of COVID-19, but health authorities are still assessing how that will take shape.
COVID-19 oral antivirals What are the issues surrounding rational prescribing of oral antivirals for COVID-19? David Liew chats with clinical pharmacist Amy Legg and infectious diseases physician Andrew Henderson.