FDA authorizes pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid
By HME News Staff
Updated 11:12 AM CDT, Thu July 7, 2022
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has revised the Emergency Use Authorization for Paxlovid to authorize state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe the drug to eligible patients, with certain limitations to ensure appropriate patient assessment and prescribing. “Pharmacists are the drug therapy and drug interaction experts,” said B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association. “This move opening up their ability to assess the need for and prescribe Paxlovid will improve patients’ timely access to treatments that will help keep them out of the hospital and alive.” Not everyone agrees with the change, however, including the American Medical Association, which said it was “beyond a pharmacist’ scope and training.” “In the fight against a virus that has killed more than 1 million people in the United States and is still extremely present and transmissible, patients will get the best, most comprehensive care from physician-led teams – teams that include pharmacists,” said Dr. Jack Resneck, president of the AMA. “But, whenever possible, prescribing decisions should be made by a physician with knowledge of a patient’s medical history and the ability to follow up. To ensure the best possible care for COVID-19 patients, we urge people who test positive to discuss treatment options with their physician, if they have one.”
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