Information updates

Paxlovid® is PBS listed for treatment of COVID-19

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.  

 

Mod ASCIA Member
Donate to AIFA
go to NAC website
About ASCIA

ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand
ASCIA promotes and advances the study and knowledge of allergy and other immune diseases

Quick Links

About ASCIA

ASCIA is a registered trademark of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. All content is subject to copyright for the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Read more...

The content for the website is developed and approved by ASCIA Committee and ASCIA Working Party Members. Read more...

Disclaimer I Privacy

The ASCIA website is intended for use by ASCIA members, health professionals and the general public. The content provided is for education, communication and information purposes only and is not intended to replace or constitute medical advice or treatments. Read more...

ASCIA respects your privacy. Read our privacy policy here...

Sponsors | Advertising

ASCIA does not endorse products from sponsoring organisations, nor is it influenced by sponsoring organisations with regard to the content of education programs and websites. 

The ASCIA website does not accept advertising. Any link to a third-party website does not imply any endorsement by ASCIA.

Information Partner

Official Information Partner of Healthdirect Australia