Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir tablets) is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 May 2022, as a treatment for COVID-19. Adults can be prescribed PBS-subsidised Paxlovid® by their doctor or nurse practitioner if they have mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed by a PCR or medically verified RAT, can start treatment within five days of symptom onset, and:  

• they are 65 years of age or older, with two other risk factors for severe disease (as increasing age is a risk factor, patients who are 75 years of age of older only need to have one other risk factor); or they identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, and are 50 years of age or older with two other risk factors for severe disease, or
• they are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Paxlovid® is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in women of childbearing potential who are not using contraception. TGA product information on Paxlovid® is available here.

To prioritise Paxlovid® for patients at highest risk of developing severe COVID-19, prescribers should only prescribe Paxlovid®  in accordance with the PBS eligibility criteria, and are strongly discouraged from providing it via private prescription.

For more information read the PBS factsheet here.

This news item was issued on 6 May 2022 by Jill Smith, CEO of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). ASCIA is the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.