ACP sent out an email last week to all regulated members regarding Alberta Blue Cross Benefact #1180. This article is being published as a reminder.
Recently, Alberta Health Services has received multiple reports from patients who have experienced difficulties obtaining Paxlovid from their pharmacies. In these reports, patients have reported delays or refusals to fill their Paxlovid prescriptions.
Treatment with Paxlovid should be initiated as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19 has been made, and within five days of symptom onset. Commonly, patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 are presenting to the pharmacy near the end of the five-day period to start treatment. Therefore, pharmacy teams are reminded to help patients navigate obtaining Paxlovid within five days of symptom onset.
Pharmacy teams should familiarize themselves with the population mix that they serve, and understand the probability of receiving a prescription for Paxlovid. If Paxlovid is not stocked, teams should research an alternate source to which patients can be reliably referred for quick access. Remember, in many of these cases, time may be of the essence.
For further information about coverage eligibility for beneficiaries of government sponsored programs, refer to the Alberta Blue Cross Benefact #1180.
