New antiviral may offer ‘less cumbersome’ COVID treatment option The Chinese-developed oral antiviral reportedly achieves similar outcomes to Paxlovid, but with fewer side effects and drug–drug interactions.
RACGP pushes for greater reproductive healthcare access A college submission has called for changes aimed at making abortion and contraceptive services more affordable and accessible.
Molnupiravir to be used only as a last resort: Taskforce Advice has changed for the country’s most prescribed COVID-19 oral antiviral, although access via the PBS will remain in place.
Second bivalent booster receives ATAGI recommendation The vaccine will become available in December and is recommended for people who have not had their first or second booster doses.
‘A positive step’: oral antivirals confirmed for Doctor’s Bag After extensive RACGP lobbying, GPs now have enhanced access to COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments for urgent use among at-risk patients.
Oral antivirals access opens to more Aboriginal Australians The move will come in with PBS changes from 1 November, which also include a treatment for a rare genetic disease.
Enhanced antivirals access a victory for patients RACGP Vice President Dr Bruce Willett goes behind the scenes of a successful campaign to help GPs supply oral antivirals to at-risk patients.
Push to allow pharmacist prescribing of antivirals flipped on its head A ‘more sensible approach’ would see the lifesaving medications added to the Doctor’s Bag, a prominent GP has said.
Could anticipatory deprescribing allow better COVID treatment? Despite being more effective according to some studies, Paxlovid prescriptions lag Lagevrio, with drug–drug interactions likely to play a part.
Push to assess COVID-19 treatment eligibility prior to infection College launches new guidelines to support GPs assessing the best approach for vulnerable patients before they test positive.