With Texas’ COVID-19 case and hospitalization numbers on a recent upward swing, the state is reminding physicians about the therapeutics available to treat high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
In a letter to health care professionals, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) asks them to consider prescribing Paxlovid to all eligible patients. Paxlovid, an oral antiviral, is the top-preferred therapy for mild to moderate COVID in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for Therapeutic Management of Nonhospitalized Adults. Remdesivir is next on the preference list.
Bebtelovimab and molnupiravir – in that order – are considered alternative therapy options, to be used only “when neither of the preferred treatment options are available, feasible to use, or clinically appropriate,” according to NIH.
“Paxlovid is widely available for high-risk Texans with symptomatic COVID-19; bebtelovimab remains the therapeutic with the most limited supply,” DSHS said in its letter. “Considering Paxlovid first will help preserve the other options for patients who need them.”
DSHS noted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator to find the nearest pharmacy that has Paxlovid in stock. More information is also available on DSHS’ Information for COVID-19 Therapeutics Providers page. And physicians can also consult the Food and Drug Administration's Paxlovid Patient Eligibility Screening Checklist Tool.
Last Updated On
July 13, 2022
Originally Published On
July 12, 2022