Paxlovid

On January, 17, 2022, Health Canada approved the use of Paxlovid, an oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19.  The Province of Ontario subsequently developed Eligibility Guidelines, prioritizing those who are most at risk of severe outcomes.

How do I know if I’m eligible to receive Paxlovid?  

1. If symptomatic, get tested as soon as possible, either by booking an appointment at the Couchiching OHT Testing Centre at OSMH , or through your primary care provider.
2. If your results come back positive, you and your provider will be notified as soon as possible, and a determination will be made if Paxlovid is an available treatment plan.
3. If Paxlovid is appropriate for your circumstance, you will be informed when and where the medication can be acquired.

If you have additional questions, reach out to a primary care physician or nurse practitioner.  For more information, OSMH has created a pre-recorded voice message with local information regarding Paxlovid, and can be heard at (705) 325-2201, Ext. 8066.

IMPORTANT
Paxlovid is not a replacement for vaccination. This antiviral is a treatment that is intended for those who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes that may lead to hospitalization.  We strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible to protect yourself, your loved ones and our communities from COVID-19.

INFORMATION/RESOURCES FOR PROVIDERS AND PRESCRIBERS 

Orillia is 1 of 15 sites in Ontario selected by Ontario Health (OH) for the initial provincial Paxlovid (anti-viral medication approved for treatment of Covid-19) distribution.  Providers are supported with the following information about how to access Paxlovid for their patients.  Paxlovid is not prescribed in the OSMH Emergency Department or at the Testing Centre. Please refer to the COHT COVID Care Paxlovid Pathway.

1. Assess your patient with COVID symptoms
2. Refer for testing as appropriate (PCR, ID Now, or health professional administered Rapid Antigen Test)
3. For patients who test positive, plan care according to your knowledge of the patient, their health needs, services available in your community and the most current Ontario Science Table COVID Guidelines here.
4. Paxlovid oral anti-viral therapy access has been expanded.
   1. Prescriptions for Paxlovid will only be filled when accompanied by the  Prescriber/Pharmacist Paxlovid Communication Tool.    This helpful to inform the prescriber in their conversations with patients and to inform the pharmacist receiving the prescription.  Please send to the dispensing pharmacy accompanying the prescription – this does not replace the prescription.
   2.  List of Ontario Pharmacies dispensing Paxlovid.  The medication is now available at most pharmacies for patients referred using the designated Prescriber/Pharmacist Paxlovid Communication Tool.

***PLEASE USE THIS Prescriber/Pharmacist Paxlovid Communication Tool for all patients you are assessing for Paxlovid (criteria for eligibility clearly listed on the referral form).  Pharmacies are expecting this form to ensure safe prescribing. Please make note of the list of drug-drug interactions included with the referral form to review when prescribing.

Links to Additional Online Resources

Science Briefs – Latest information from the Ontario Science Table

Feb. 23rd Recommendations for prescribing Paxlovid – Ontario Science Table