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Dispensing Paxlovid in Community Pharmacies
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid™) is an oral antiviral drug used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who do not require hospitalization and are at high risk of progressing to serious illness.
It is new to the market, and information about its safety and effectiveness is limited. The use of Paxlovid is further complicated by the large number of clinically important drug-drug interactions.
Just like other prescription drugs, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid™) must be dispensed in accordance with the College’s Community Standards of Practice, including but not limited to patient identification, review of PharmaNet, documentation and counselling.
When dispensing Paxlovid, pharmacists should ensure they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to do so. Pharmacists are reminded that every prescription must be reviewed for completeness and appropriateness, and to review patient personal health information for drug therapy problems, therapeutic duplications and any other potential problems.
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For additional information about Paxlovid™, including dosing, drug-interactions, and procedure information for pharmacists, please visit the following page: |
Paxlovid™ Learning Sessions for Community Pharmacists
The BC Ministry of Health is offering online (Zoom) learning sessions about the new COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) for B.C. pharmacists. The 90-minute sessions will include a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer forum.
The presentation will introduce Paxlovid™, its eligibility criteria, and how to manage potential drug-drug interactions.
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Recordings of these webinars are also available on the following page: Dispensing Paxlovid and Monitoring Adverse Drug Events: A Guide for B.C. Community Pharmacists |
In addition to watching to the pre-recorded videos above, you can book a private live information session for your group. The advantage of a live session is you can ask the pharmacist questions.
- For Paxlovid evidence, dosing and drug interaction education session with a Provincial Academic Detailing (PAD) pharmacist (30-60 mins), please email [email protected].
- For Paxlovid dispensing, counselling and follow-up procedures with a Ministry of Health pharmacist (15-30 mins), please email [email protected].
Please include with your email:
- Two or three preferred dates and times
- Approximate number of attendees
- Name of your business/group and type of practice setting
- Contact email and phone number
COVID-19 Antiviral Support Line for Clinicians
A support line is available to assist with questions related to prescribing and dispensing of Paxlovid:
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- 1-866-604-5924
When calling, please be ready to provide patient information and a call-back number. A pharmacist will respond as soon as possible to help with your question.
If additional support is needed to manage cancer patients or those on antiretrovirals, please contact program pharmacists for consultation.
BC Cancer:
- 604-877-6000 x 67-2515 (voicemail only)
- Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm PST; weekends 9 am to 5 pm PST
St. Paul's Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy (HIV):
- 1-888-511-6222
- COVID-19