Important update on oral medications for outpatient treatment of COVID -19 infections
Jan 3, 2022 The US Food and Drug Administration has recently granted Emergency Use Authorization(EUA) for two oral medications to treat mild to moderate COVID-19: Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (brand name Paxlovid) Molnupiravir.
The US Food and Drug Administration has recently granted Emergency Use Authorization(EUA) for two oral medications to treat mild to moderate COVID-19: Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (brand name Paxlovid) Molnupiravir.
Both medications were found to reduce the risk for hospitalization and death in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness. Because these are new medications, the initial supply will be quite limited and they will not be available at pharmacies.
The US Department of Health & Human Services will be allocating the limited supply to each State on a proportional basis. The Department of Public Health of each State will then distribute the supply to hospitals, extended care facilities, and other healthcare facilities.Yale Health and Yale-New Haven Health are working with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to prescribe these medications to treat patients who are at highest risk of complications from COVID-19 infection. They will be available to a limited number of patients, including Yale Health patients, based on the risk criteria established by clinical leaders at Yale New Haven Hospital. These criteria are expected to evolve as drug availability improves.
We anticipate these medications will become much more widely available in the near future and we ask for your patience and understanding as the distribution of these medications rolls out, beginning with those at highest risk. For the latest on availability of these medications, please check back at our website.
Although this is an exciting addition to the tools to combat the pandemic, vaccination and booster doses are the most important steps you can take now to reduce the risk of severe disease. Schedule your vaccination today.
With increased cases throughout the country we remind you to be alert to COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if you are sick. We will update you in the near future about the evolving recommendations for isolation for those infected with COVID-19 as well as quarantine for close contacts of COVID-19 patients.
Sincerely,
Paul Genecin, M.D.
CEO