COVID-19 drug usage limited by possible risks, supply issues, says N.L. health minister – CBC
148 courses of Paxlovid administered so far
Apr 03, 2022
While hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 are rising in Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial health minister says there are no plans to expand eligibility for Pfizer’s new therapeutic pills yet.
John Haggie said supply issues and possible risks mean use of the pills will be limited to those who meet its criteria and have consulted with an infectious disease specialist.
“It’s not an unlimited supply. It is issued by Health Canada on what they call a limited supply basis,” Haggie told CBC News on Thursday.
“Obviously any drug has what we call an ‘indication,’ criteria for it being used. And as I said, as this drug mixes poorly with things like cholesterol pills and some blood pressure medication.… There has to be a discussion, we feel at the moment, with the infectious diseases specialist in St. John’s to make sure the risk is worth the benefit.”
The drug, Paxlovid, was given approval by Health Canada in January for use in people 18 years old or older. The pills help fight off symptoms of COVID-19.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-paxlovid-covid-medication-1.6403679
