Will any Albertan be able to receive antivirals from NAS?
On Oct. 27, ACP received the following direction from AHW:
All prescriptions for antivirals should be filled out of the NAS unless the prescriber specifically and clearly indicates otherwise on the script.
Further clarification given by AHW on Oct. 30:
If the physician indicates “for prophylaxis” on a prescription presented at a community pharmacy, the NAS supply cannot be used. The prescription can be filled with private stock. The client would be responsible for the prescription charges.
Early treatment is the basis of AHW policy, so post-exposure prophylaxis that is not in a closed facility outbreak falls outside indications for NAS-supplied antivirals. Influenza transmission is far from 100 percent when in contact with a case, and prophylaxis could lead to resistance.
You can find two H1N1 FAQ documents on ACP’s website:
AHW answers to questions about Tamiflu dispensing program – last updated Oct. 30
ACP answers to questions about H1N1 and pharmacist prescribing – last updated Oct. 27
Originally published in the November 3, 2009, issue of The Link
