Pharmacy Reports of 'Back Pocket' Prescriptions for Paxlovid and Molnupiravir 30 May 2022

Some pharmacies have reported being presented 'back pocket' prescriptions for Paxlovid or molnupiravir. These agents are only intended to be prescribed for active COVID-19 infections.

Please can we request prescribers annotate prescriptions for these antiviral agents with what day of infection patient is on, on the patient's renal function, and other medications the patient is currently taking.

It is also useful for pharmacists if dosage adjustments or cautions are outlined when prescribing e.g. stop atorvastatin whilst on Paxlovid and for three further days.

Contact details of prescriber are essential as often the pharmacist requires a double-check of dosing, interactions or cautions.

A reminder of the pharmacies which dispense COVID-19 antivirals:

• John's Photo Pharmacy, Tauranga
• Chemist Warehouse, Bethlehem
• Life Pharmacy, Bayfair
• Unichem Adamsons Pharmacy, Whakatāne
• Opotiki Pharmacy
• Kawerau Pharmacy