COVID-19 Treatments

The Healthline 811 Early COVID Therapies Team will no longer be accepting referrals for COVID-19 antiviral treatment (Paxlovid™ and remdesivir) after March 22, 2024.   

Paxlovid can continue to be prescribed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists. Planning is underway to finalize a process for prescribing and accessing remdesivir, with further communication to follow.   

The medSask Paxlovid™ PAR form and other documents have not yet been updated to reflect this change, and will be updated once a new workflow has been finalized.   

Transplant and Oncology patients should be referred to their specialist teams.

Paxlovid™ Prescribing

It is important to note that our understanding of the most appropriate treatment option(s) as well as the course of the COVID-19 virus and resulting disease continues to change. Ensure you are consulting the most up-to-date version of these prescribing guidelines and documents.         

These guidelines have been developed according to Saskatchewan pharmacy prescribing standards. Please reference your own province's guidelines when prescribing and billing.

 
Access to COVID Antivirals
Antivirals for Community Prescribers Document
Uploaded June 26, 2023
Paxlovid Eligibility Assessment
Eligibility Assessment for Community Prescribers
Uploaded June 26, 2023
 
Important Updates          

October 2023    
ο    Saskatchewan Drug Plan billing limit of 2 antiviral treatment courses per individual has been removed. PAR, algorithm, and Eligibility Assessment updated to reflect this change.    

June 2023      
ο    medSask Drug Interactions Table has been updated to reflect guidance around contraindicated interactions and management. Community prescribers are responsible for managing drug interactions and are encouraged to use drug interaction resources (e.g. Liverpool COVID-19 Drug Interactions, BCCDC Practice Tool – Drug-Drug Interactions, medSask Drug Interactions Table, etc.) AND clinical judgement in decision making and management.      

ο    Remdesivir exclusion criteria updated. Individuals with eGFR < 30 mL/min are now potentially eligible to receive remdesivir. Individuals not eligible for Paxlovid™ but potentially eligible for remdesivir may be referred to Early COVID Therapeutics Team for remdesivir assessment.      

ο    ‘Active Liver Disease’ clarified as ‘Liver disease with severe hepatic impairment’. Liver disease with severe hepatic impairment is an exclusion criterion for antiviral therapy in Saskatchewan.       

August 2022      
ο     Eligibility criteria for Paxlovid™ prescribing updated. Individuals that have previously been infected and have recovered from the infection are now potentially eligible to receive Paxlovid™. In addition, individuals who previously received an early COVID-19 therapeutic agent are now potentially eligible to receive an additional course of an early COVID-19 antiviral (Paxlovid™, remdesivir).          
 

Paxlovid™ Resources and Documents

Paxlovid Prescribing PAR
PAR/Prescription
Paxlovid for COVID algorithm
Algorithm
Paxlovid Drug Interactions table
Drug Interactions Table
Paxlovid Patient Handout
paxlovidTm Patient Handout
Patient COVID and Flu handout
At Home with COVID-19? Handout
Immunosuppressive Medications Chart
Immuno-suppressive medications

Mild COVID-19 Infection: Guidelines for Prescribing Paxlovid™

The medSask Guidelines for Prescribing PaxlovidTM (the “Guidelines”) are intended to be used as a tool to aid decision-making when prescribing for certain minor ailments or self-care conditions. The Guidelines are intended solely for educational and informational purposes and are not to be used for diagnostic purposes, and do not replace personal skill, professional judgment, and care of a pharmacist or other healthcare professionals.

Description
  • An acute viral respiratory tract infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, resulting in COVID-19 disease.
  • Other viruses may cause similar symptoms, making it impossible to differentiate clinically between the COVID-19 virus and other viruses.  Some clinical features (for example, smell or taste disorders) are more common with COVID-19, but these cannot be used as reliable distinguishing signs or symptoms.
  • The virus first started circulating at the end of 2019, causing outbreaks and a worldwide pandemic.
  • COVID-19 has mutated and changed over time, with several variants of varying degrees of transmission and ability to evade vaccines and treatments emerging. 
  • Transmission of the COVID-19 virus occurs via respiratory droplets or aerosols (e.g. coughing, sneezing, singing, talking, etc.), by direct or indirect contact, or both.
  • Pre-Omicron incubation period ranged from 2-14 days, with most cases occurring within 4 to 7 days after exposure. Omicron incubation has been found to be 2-4 days on average.
    • Most patients are considered infective 3 days prior to symptom onset or date of initial positive test, and for 10 days following symptom onset or date of initial positive test. However, in some patients (particularly in patients severely ill from COVID-19 and immunocompromised patients) the viral shedding may occur for 20 days or longer from symptom onset. 
  • Patient groups at higher risk of symptomatic disease and progression to critical illness from COVID-19 include:
    • Older age (risk increases incrementally with each increase in decade of life)
      • In Saskatchewan, patients age ≥ 55 are considered high risk
    • Obesity: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
    • Pregnancy (all stages and 4 weeks post-pregnancy)
    • Indigenous peoples
    • Residents of long-term care and other chronic care facilities
    • Asthma, COPD, other chronic lung diseases
    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Chronic liver disease
    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Cerebrovascular disease
    • Hypertension
    • HIV infection
    • Cancer
    • Diabetes mellitus
    • Immunocompromised due to disease or medication
    • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
    • Neurodevelopmental disorders
    • Compromised handling of respiratory secretions – may occur in cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injury, seizure disorders, neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, etc.

**Note: Eligibility criteria varies based on different health authorities. For the purposes of this prescribing guideline, community prescribers will be expected to align with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). See the “Treatment” section for current eligibility. **

  • Spectrum of illness ranges from asymptomatic infection, to mild symptoms, to severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress (ARDS) and multiorgan dysfunction.
  • Potential complications:
    • Respiratory failure: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
    • Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
    • Thromboembolic complications or thrombosis (VTE, PE), acute stroke and limb ischemia
    • Neurological complications: encephalopathy, stroke, ataxia, delirium, movement disorders and sensory and motor deficits, neuropathy, and less commonly seizures.
    • Dehydration, hypovolemia
    • Acute kidney injury and renal insufficiency (low urine output)
    • Worsening of underlying medical conditions (e.g. heart failure, diabetes, COPD)
  • Recovery time is highly variable and takes into consideration the patient’s age, comorbidities as well as severity of illness. Patients with mild illness generally recover within 2 weeks, while patients with more severe illness may take several months to recover.
  • Rebound COVID:
    • Characterized by symptoms that recur and/or a positive COVID test following resolution of an initial infection (as determined by negative test and symptom improvement).
    • Typically occurs 2-8 days after initial recovery and symptoms are generally more mild than initial symptoms.
    • May occur whether or not Paxlovid™ has been given.
    • Retreatment with Paxlovid™ is not routinely recommended especially if symptoms are improving, but may be considered in people with significant or rapidly progressing symptoms. 
  • Post-COVID/Long COVID:
    • COVID-19 for health professionals: Post COVID-19 condition
    • Patients may report long-term health effects that may persist for weeks, months, or years after recovery from acute illness. 
    • World Health Organization defines post COVID-19 condition in adults as occurring 3 months from onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and can’t be explained by an alternative diagnosis. US agencies have defined long COVID as symptoms that continue or develop and are present four weeks or more after initial phase of infection with potential for a relapsing and remitting pattern and progression.
    • Estimated prevalence ranges from 5-80%
    • Risk factors include:
      • Repeated infection
      • Female
      • Severity of infection
      • Comorbidities
    • Vaccination with 2 or more doses mRNA or viral vector vaccine may be associated with reduced risk of developing long COVID.
    • Symptoms are diverse and may include persistent/recurrent symptoms as well as new symptoms. They include, but are not limited to:
      • Fatigue
      • Cough
      • Shortness of breath
      • Chest pain or tightness
      • Anosmia, dysgeusia, poor appetite
      • Arthralgia or myalgia
      • Headache
      • Memory loss, cognitive difficulty
      • Dizziness, palpitations
      • Depression, insomnia
      • Physical limitations of normal activity

As the information continues to evolve at a rapid rate, for more information and to access the most up to date information, see the following websites:

LAST UPDATED: 20 JUNe 2023
Signs and Symptoms
  • Health Canada COVID-19 signs, symptoms and severity of disease: A clinician guide
  • Other viruses may cause similar symptoms, making it impossible to differentiate clinically between the COVID-19 virus and other viruses.  Some clinical features (for example, smell or taste disorders) are more common with COVID-19, but these cannot be used as reliable distinguishing signs or symptoms.
  • When COVID-19 is known to be circulating in the community, diagnosis can be made based on a positive PCR or rapid antigen test (RAT).
  • Presenting symptoms of mild COVID-19 vary, and may include: 
    • Common:
      • Runny nose or congestion
      • Sore throat
      • Sneezing
      • Headache
    • Cough
    • Anosmia (loss of smell), dysgeusia (taste disturbance) or ageusia (loss of taste)
    • Myalgia (muscle pain) or arthralgia (joint pain)
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Dyspnea (shortness of breath); new or worsening over baseline, or change in activities that cause breathlessness
    • Fatigue, malaise, confusion
    • Fever ≥ 38.5°C (lasting < 72 hours)
    • Chills or rigors
    • Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain)
    • Anxiety, depression, insomnia
      • New or worsening 

Severity classification:                            
 ** Classification of symptom severity varies based on different references, health authorities, etc. For the purposes of this prescribing guideline, community prescribers will be expected to align with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).**

Mild Illness

  • Signs and symptoms of mild illness.
  • Non-hospitalized adults, not requiring supplemental oxygen (or increase in supplemental oxygen from baseline) with SpO2 greater than 92% at rest, and have no increased work of breathing.

Moderate Illness

  • Hospitalized patients requiring low-flow supplemental oxygen.

Severe Illness

  • Hospitalized patients requiring additional interventions such as ventilatory or circulatory support.
    • Note: Patients may progress from one severity category to another relatively quickly. The rapidity of symptom progression does not appear to predict a worse outcome. Ensure patients are educated on signs and symptoms that indicate worsening of their condition and when to seek emergency medical attention. Provide the patient with the medSask document "Managing COVID-19 or Flu at Home."
LAST UPDATED: 20 june 2023
Differential Assessments

Many different bacterial and viral infections of the upper respiratory tract may present with similar symptoms as COVID-19, making it difficult to distinguish. Provincial data on circulating respiratory illnesses may help to inform risk of exposure to other infections and can be found in the Saskatchewan Community Respiratory Illness Surveillance Program (CRISP) reports.

The only way to rule out the following conditions that may present with similar symptoms is with a confirmatory PCR test or RAT.

  • Influenza – symptoms may be very similar, however, gastrointestinal symptoms are generally uncommon in adults with influenza. Presentation varies, but in general includes signs and symptoms of upper and/or lower respiratory tract involvement in addition to systemic symptoms usually lasting 4 to 7 days but may last up to 10 days. Initial symptoms tend to be systemic progressing to more respiratory symptoms as systemic symptoms improve. 
    • Children: may present with a non-specific fever, or respiratory illness such as bronchitis or croup.
    • Healthy adolescents and adults: abrupt onset of fever and dry cough is highly predictable.
    • Older adults: ≥ 2 symptoms of cough, sore throat, myalgia and extreme weakness or exhaustion. 
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. Symptoms most commonly appear about 4-6 days after exposure to the virus. Usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms such as congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing and headache. Infants are most severely affected by RSV.
  • Common cold – less severe symptoms than influenza which resolve in a few days. Initial complaints are usually related to the throat (dry, scratchy, sore), nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. May experience cough that starts dry, progressing to productive.
  • Allergic rhinitis – persistent upper respiratory tract symptoms such as rhinitis, sneezing, conjunctivitis, and absence of fever. Suspect if history of allergic rhinitis or exposure to allergen. See the Allergic Rhinitis prescribing guidelines.
  • Pneumonia
    • Primary: persistent symptoms which worsen instead of resolving - high fever, dyspnea, coughing purulent sputum
    • Secondary bacterial pneumonia: exacerbation of fever, respiratory symptoms after initial improvement
    • Mixed: concurrent viral and bacterial infections. Patients may experience gradual worsening of symptoms or may experience some improvement followed by worsening. 
  • Acute exacerbation of COPD or asthma  characterized by change in baseline symptoms beyond normal daily variations that requires change in therapy.
  • Sinusitis – persistent purulent nasal secretions, nasal congestion, facial tenderness or pain, and headache are common. May also experience fever. 
  • Streptococcal pharyngitis – acute onset of sore throat, fever, tender lymph nodes and pain upon swallowing. Unlikely to present with cough, runny nose or other common symptoms of upper respiratory infection.
  • Croup – non-productive, barking cough, inspiratory stridor (whistling wheeze), hoarseness, most common in children less than 3 years of age. Symptoms often worsen at night. 
  • Mononucleosis – classical presentation triad: fever, pharyngitis, and swollen glands. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, headache and lack of appetite.  
  • Heart failure – cough, shortness of breath, history of heart failure.
LAST UPDATED: 20 june 2023
Eligibility and Referral Criteria

Patients with mild COVID-19 signs/symptoms and positive PCR test or RAT usually do not require further investigation, however, an assessment by the patient's primary care provider, referral to 811 or emergency referral may be required.      

Patients ineligible for Paxlovid™ (ie: likely to recover without antiviral therapy, not at risk for progression to severe disease) should be advised to manage their symptoms at home, unless their symptoms progress from mild to moderate or severe disease. Patients should then be referred to emergency.

If unable to confirm patient’s self diagnosis and/or self-care is not appropriate, refer to the patient’s primary care provider, 811, or emergency department, as appropriate, for further investigation and/or supervised therapy. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Positive PCR test or RAT
  • Symptomatic and ≤ day 5 since symptom onset; Day of symptom onset = Day 0
    • Patients may be eligible for remdesivir up to day 7 after symptom onset.
  • Mild COVID-19 signs and symptoms
  • At least 90 days have elapsed since symptoms from previous infection (if applicable) have resolved.
  • 90-day timeframe is to ensure that the current infection is a distinct and new infection. Clinical discretion should be used in determining symptom resolution.
  • Immunocompromised by complex disease state or medication regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status (see below to define immunocompromised)
  • Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated:
    • Age ≥ 18 to < 55 with ≥ 1 high risk factor (defined below)
    • Age ≥ 55
  • Fully vaccinated*:                            
    *Fully vaccinated is defined by the SHA as the patient having received two doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of Janssen Jcovden™.
    • Age ≥ 70 years with ≥ 3 high risk factors (defined below)
    • Age ≥ 70 years and Indigenous [regardless of geographic location] with ≥ 2 high risk factors (defined below)
      • Note: patients can self-identify as Indigenous.
    • Age ≥ 70 years and living in the north [NE1, NE2, NW1, AHA] with ≥ 2 high risk factors (defined below)
  • Specific high-risk factors for severe disease progression that determine eligibility include:
    • Body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2
    • Chronic kidney disease with a decreased eGFR (≥ 30 mL/min to < 60 mL/min) (Reminder: < 30 mL/min is a contraindication to treatment with Paxlovid™)
    • Patients must have stable values within the last 6 months with no change in their clinical condition. If patients do not have recent kidney function values, complete the patient assessment as fully as possible. If they meet all other eligibility criteria, refer the patient to the SHA Early COVID Therapeutics Team. 
    • Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease (Hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Congenital Heart Disease, Cardiomyopathy, Atrial Fibrillation, Hyperlipidemia, Stroke)
    • Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and 2)
    • Chronic lung disease (COPD, Moderate to Severe Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension)
    • Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome) or other conditions that confer medical complexity (e.g. genetic or metabolic syndromes and severe congenital abnormalities)
    • Sickle cell disease      
      Note: If a patient has several conditions within a listed category, it is still only considered 1 high risk factor. For example, under cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, if the patient has hypertension and atrial fibrillation, this would only be considered 1 high risk factor. 

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Severe COVID-19 infection
  • Age < 18 years
  • Patient is asymptomatic
    • Patients must present with symptom(s) to be eligible.
  • Patient does not have a confirmed positive PCR or RAT result
    • Patients may be directed to Saskatchewan.ca for information on where to obtain RAT.
  • Patients who are pregnant
  • Patients who are breastfeeding/chestfeeding
  • All patients (all sexes) unwilling to use contraception or abstain from heterosexual intercourse for the duration of treatment and 4 days after completion of treatment.
  • Patients with liver disease with severe hepatic impairment

Definition of Immunocompromised:

  • Active treatment for cancer including cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as immunosuppressive or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy 
  • Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g. DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, etc.)
  • Solid organ transplant recipient
  • Immunocompromised due to medication such as active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (e.g. greater than or equal to 20 mg prednisone or equivalent per day when administered for greater than or equal to 2 weeks), alkylating agents and anti-metabolites, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.
  • Reminder: Patients receiving active treatment for cancer should be referred directly to their Cancer Specialist, and any patients that have received any type of transplant should be directly referred to their Transplant Specialist. If Transplant or Cancer patients are unable to reach their specialist, advise them to call 811. For patients that are considered complex cases, such as those with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency, complete the assessment as fully as possible, and if the patient is eligible, refer the patient to the SHA Early COVID Therapeutics Team.      
     

Emergency Referral

Patient has moderate or severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Difficulty breathing or worsening of respiratory symptoms
  • Greater than 30 breaths per minute
  • Shortness of breath at rest or requiring supplemental oxygen
  • Respiratory distress (difficulty speaking in full sentences, severe wheezing)
  • High fever > 40.5°C or fever > 38.5°C for > 72 hours
  • Severe dehydration, decreased urination, or significant reduction in food or fluid intake  
  • Tachycardia (heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Lethargy, confusion, altered mental state, difficulty waking up
  • Refer to the medSask document “At Home With COVID-19” to provide patients with information about when to seek additional help.                                                  

Referral for Remdesivir - Patients Ineligible for Paxlovid™ 

If a patient is eligible for an antiviral, but Paxlovid™ is unavailable, contraindicated due to underlying medical condition or drug-drug interactions, outside efficacy window, or declined by the patient, then consider remdesivir. This includes:

  •  > day 5 since symptom onset; patient may be eligible for remdesivir up to day 7 after symptom onset.          
    Note: According to SHA, day of symptom onset = Day 0.
  • Patients with HIV infection not currently on antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection with recent detectable viral load, AIDS-defining illness, CD4 count less than 200, or suspicion of uncontrolled HIV.
  • eGFR less than 30 mL/min.
  • Drug interactions with Paxlovid™ that are contraindications to treatment or cannot be managed.
  • Hypersensitivity to nirmatrelvir, ritonavir, or any component of Paxlovid™.          
     

    Individuals not eligible for Paxlovid™ but potentially eligible for remdesivir should be referred to the Early COVID Therapeutics Team. To refer to the Early COVID Therapeutics Team, complete as much of the Mild COVID-19 (Paxlovid™) Prescriber Assessment Form (PAR) as possible and EMAIL to c19meds@saskhealthauthority.ca or FAX to: 306-766-3395.          
     

Referral for Assessment - Complex Cases 

Individuals immunocompromised by complex disease state are considered complex cases. Some patients may be eligible for Paxlovid™  or in some cases, remdesivir. Refer the patient to the appropriate specialist- SHA Early COVID Therapeutics Team, Cancer Specialist or Transplant Specialist.

  • Includes:
    • Active treatment for cancer
    • Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient
    • Solid organ transplant recipient
    • Moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency

      Note: If patients are unable to reach their specialist, advise them to call Healthline 811. 

 

LAST UPDATED: 20 JUNE 2023
Treatment

Goals of Therapy

  • Relieve symptoms of COVID-19
  • Reduce severity and duration of symptoms and infection
  • Decrease and/or prevent the risk of complications such as worsening of co-morbid conditions, hospitalization, or death 
  • Prevent the spread of infection

A thorough patient history is pertinent in determining the most appropriate treatment option. Particular attention must be paid to the following:

  • Time since symptom onset
  • Signs and symptom(s) and their severity
  • Presence of risk factors
  • Level of circulating COVID-19 in the community
  • Whether patient has a positive PCR test or RAT
  • Vaccination status
  • Previous COVID-19 infection
  • Previous treatment with an early COVID-19 antiviral

Non-pharmacologic Treatment

  • Recommend plenty of fluids, rest, and increased humidity.
  • Reduce spread of the virus by:
    • Handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub after contact with eyes, mouth, nose, or respiratory secretions.
    • Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
    • Staying at home when feeling unwell.
    • Wearing a mask.

Pharmacologic Treatment

Over-the-Counter Options

  • Supportive or symptomatic management in addition to non-pharmacologic treatment for mild COVID-19 symptoms may be all that is required.
  • Analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) can be used for fever relief, headache and myalgia.
    • Usual dosing as per the product label is recommended.
  • ASA should not be used in children or adolescents due to a risk of Reye syndrome.
  • Saline sprays, solutions and gels may provide symptomatic relief of nasal irritation.
  • Cough and cold remedies may provide relief of upper respiratory symptoms.
    • Avoid in children < 6 years of age
  • The CPhA has developed a simple  infographic that can be provided to patients. 

Prescription Options

Antiviral: Nirmatrelvir/ Ritonavir (Paxlovid ™)

  • Mechanism of Action:
    • Nirmatrelvir: a SARS-CoV-2-3CL protease inhibitor
      • Inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2; the virus requires this enzyme to replicate.
    • Ritonavir: an HIV-1 protease inhibitor and CYP3A inhibitor
      • Helps to slow down nirmatrelvir’s metabolism; allows it to remain active in the body and at higher concentrations for longer.
    • Supporting Evidence:
      • EPIC-HR trial:
        • Consistent efficacy for previously identified variants (i.e., alpha, beta, delta, gamma, lambda, and mu).
        • In vitro data confirms efficacy against the Omicron 3CL protease. 
  • Treatment initiation:
    • Indicated for the treatment of mild COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for progression to severe disease. 
      • See the Eligibility Criteria section above for patients considered to be high risk for the purpose of this prescribing guideline. People without risk factors are unlikely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 and tend to recover without needing an antiviral like Paxlovid™.
      • In addition to risk factors, consider severity of symptoms and symptom trajectory when assessing the need for an antiviral. MIld and improving symptoms may not necessarily require an antiviral.
    • Initiate within ≤ day 5 of symptom onset.
      • May reduce complications of COVID-19 such as hospitalization, exacerbation of comorbidities and death.
      • Per AMMI Canada 2024 guidance, a watchful waiting approach may be a reasonable strategy.
        • Data from EPIC-HR comparing earlier (<3 days) to later (3-5 days) treatment showed no difference in efficacy.
        • Patients presenting with early, mild symptoms may be advised to monitor symptoms and initiate antiviral only if symptoms worsen.
    • Initiation > day 5 after symptom onset: not applicable. Patients presenting with symptoms up to ≤ day 7 after symptom onset may be eligible for remdesivir therapy and should be referred if they are eligible.
    • Paxlovid™ should not be routinely used for asymptomatic patients, or in patients < 18 years of age that are otherwise healthy and do not have any risk factors for severe disease progression. 
    • Paxlovid™ is not indicated for COVID-19 prophylaxis (in patients that are considered close household contacts).
  • Dosage: Nirmatrelvir/ Ritonavir (Paxlovid™)
    • Recommended dose in adults ≥ 18 years of age:
      • 300 mg (TWO x 150 mg tablets) of nirmatrelvir with 100 mg (ONE x 100 mg tablet) of ritonavir, every 12 hours for FIVE days.
      • All tablets in a dose must be taken together; if doses are separated the ritonavir is unable to “boost” the nirmatrelvir, possibly making it ineffective.
    • Adjustments required in renal impairment:
      • eGFR < 30 mL/min or on dialysis: Paxlovid™ contraindicated; may be eligible for remdesivir
      • eGFR ≥ 30 to < 60 mL/min: dose adjustment required
        • Dose: 150 mg (ONE x 150 mg tablets) of nirmatrelvir with 100 mg (ONE x 100 mg tablet) of ritonavir, every 12 hours for FIVE days.
        • Important note: Paxlovid™ is available in packaging specific for this dosing (DIN 02527804): cartons contain 5 blister cards that include 2x 150 mg nirmatrelvir and 2x 100 mg tablets of ritonavir (ONE tablet each to be taken for each dose of the day).
  • Adjustments required in hepatic impairment:
    • No adjustment in mild to moderate impairment Child-Pugh Class A or B
    • Contraindicated in severe impairment- Child-Pugh Class C
      • Note: at this time, according to SHA eligibility criteria, any patients with any medical history of liver disease with severe hepatic impairment (or suspicion of such) are not eligible.
  • Missed doses:
    • If within ≤ 8 hours of the usual time it is taken, the patient should take the dose as soon as possible and resume normal dosing schedule.
    • If > 8 hours, the patient should skip the dose and resume normal dosing schedule. The dose should not be doubled and should be properly discarded.
  • Administration:
    • Take with or without food with adequate fluid.
    • PaxlovidTM may be split or crushed. See guidance from BCCDC.
  • Pediatrics:
    • The safety and efficacy have not been established in patients below 18 years of age.
  • Pregnancy:
    • Pregnancy (any stage or recently pregnant) is a risk factor for severe disease and complications due to COVID-19. This is especially true in patients with asthma, diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age, hypertension, or heart disease. 
      • Per product monograph, Paxlovid™ should not be used in pregnant people unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. For the purposes of community prescribing in Saskatchewan, the use of Paxlovid™ is contraindicated in this population.
      • Precaution: Effect on fertility and teratogenic risk is not known, therefore all patients (all sexes) are required to use contraception or abstain from intercourse that can result in pregnancy for the duration of treatment and 4 days after completion of treatment.
  • Breastfeeding/chestfeeding:
    • Unknown whether nirmatrelvir or any components:
      • are present in human milk
      • affect milk production
      • have an effect on a breast/chest fed infant
    • HIV studies have shown ritonavir to be present in human milk.
    • For the purposes of community prescribing in Saskatchewan, the use of Paxlovid™ is contraindicated in this population.
  • Adverse Effects:
    • From the EPIC-HR study: mild to moderate grade and are comparable to placebo
      • Dysgeusia (altered sense of taste) (6%)
        • This is the most frequent adverse effect being seen in “real-world” use. Tell patients to expect it so that they are prepared. 
        • Remind patients that taste will return to normal.
      • Diarrhea (3%)
      • Hypertension (1%)
      • Myalgia (1%)
      • Vomiting
        • If a patient vomits, they should not retake that dose and should continue on with therapy until completion of the course. If a patient misses more than one dose, they should discontinue the therapy.
      • Headache
  • Drug Interactions
    • For guidance on drug interactions, and management by the community prescriber, see the next drop-down tab. 
LAST UPDATED: 20 june 2023
Drug Interactions
  • Many potential drug interactions.
    • Some are absolute contraindications.
    • Some are not manageable by a community prescriber.
    • Some interactions require intervention and/ or modification to treatment and are manageable by a community prescriber.
    • Some require monitoring by the patient. 
  • Community prescribers are advised to consult the drug interaction resources available to determine if a drug interaction is manageable, as well as guidance on how to manage the interaction. Prescribers are responsible for ensuring that drug interactions are managed appropriately and for communicating the management strategy to the patient. Prescribers may need to follow-up to ensure that any medications which are temporarily held or adjusted are appropriately restarted.
  • Resources available to help community prescribers manage drug interactions include:
  • Potential management strategies include:
    • Adjusting the dose of interacting medication.
    • Temporarily holding the interacting medication.
    • Stopping the interacting medication.
    • Using an alternative COVID-19 therapeutic (ie: remdesivir) or an alternative to the interacting medication.
    • Continuing the interacting medication with monitoring.
  • All patients that are cancer patients or transplant patients are not manageable at the community level or by the usual prescribers. All patients must be referred directly to their specialist or to the Early COVID Therapeutics Team. 
  • Remember: Just because a drug in the table is deemed “manageable”, it does not necessarily mean it is manageable for every patient. Do not forget to consider additional patient factors that affect their ability to properly manage the drug interaction, such as:
    • Do they understand which medication to hold or to split in half?
    • Can they actually split the tablet themselves?
    • Do they receive compliance packs which require manipulating?
    • Do they comprehend when to restart their medication? 

CYP 3A Drug Interactions

Ritonavir is a CYP 3A inhibitor:

  • Ritonavir may decrease the metabolism of medications dependent on CYP 3A.
    • In those medications that require CYP 3A for clearance, elevated concentrations may occur. This could result in a serious or life-threatening reaction.
    • In those medications that require CYP 3A for activation, such as prodrugs, reduced concentrations may occur. This could result in a decreased therapeutic effect of the medication.

Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir are both CYP 3A substrates:

  • CYP 3A inducers may increase metabolism of Paxlovid™
  • Potential for loss of virologic response and/or resistance. Treatment failure!

 Natural Medicines and Herbal Products

  • Many products contain multiple ingredients; ensure each ingredient is assessed for a potential drug interaction. 
  • Pay particular attention to any that involve the CYP pathway.
  • Prescribers will have to decide on whether the interaction is significant and/or manageable.
  • Natural Medicines (available through SHIRP) is a suggested resource. 
LAST UPDATED: 26 MARCH 2024
General Advice/Monitoring

Advice

  • Remind patients of measures to prevent spreading by:
    • Handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub after contact with eyes, mouth, nose, or respiratory secretions.
    • Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
    • Staying at home when feeling unwell.
    • Wearing a mask.
    • Following all public health recommendations.
  • In most cases, individuals are infectious for 3 days prior to symptom development or positive PCR test or RAT and continue for up to 10 days after presentation of symptoms.
    • Note: patients with severe COVID-19 infection and immunocompromised patients may shed the virus for a longer duration. 
  • Recommend non-pharmacologic measures and OTC treatments.
  • Educate patients on signs and symptoms that would indicate worsening of condition and need for medical attention; patients may progress from one severity category to another relatively quickly. Provide the patient with the medSask document Managing COVID-19 or Flu at Home
  • If the patient receives a prescription for Paxlovid™:
  • Remind the patient of the importance of:
    • Taking all tablets per dose together
    • Taking all doses
  • Advise the patient how to manage missed doses.
  • Remind all patients (all sexes) that they are required to use contraception or abstain from heterosexual intercourse for the duration of treatment and 4 days after completion of treatment with Paxlovid™.
  • If the patient has not received a complete primary vaccination series or is eligible for a booster dose, encourage them to get vaccinated in the future. The patient does not need to wait for vaccination.

Assess Benefit

  • Follow-up in 2 days.
  • Refer to emergency department if symptoms have progressed to more severe or patient is deteriorating.
  • If an antiviral is prescribed:
    • Improvement in symptoms varies amongst patients. Some patients are seeing improvements within 1 day, while others are not seeing improvement until the course is completed.
    • If patient is improving or not worsening, and still has mild symptoms, advise patient to continue with the medication until the course is completed and to continue symptomatic treatment as needed.
    • Remind patients that signs and symptoms may wax and wane, however, it is important to complete the entire course of therapy even if they are feeling better.
  • If the patient had a “manageable” drug interaction, ensure they are managing the drug as advised, such as holding the drug, monitoring, etc.
    • If the patient was required to hold a drug or reduce the dose, ensure the patient understands when to restart their previous dose.

Assess Adverse Effects

  • Patient expectation is key! Remind patients to push through the adverse effects if they are mild as stated below and it is reasonable to do so.
  • Paxlovid ™ is well tolerated. Side effects are comparable to placebo.
    • Dysgeusia (altered sense of taste)
      • This is the most frequently experienced side effect. Tell patients ahead of time to expect it. Remind patients that taste will return to normal once the medication is completed.
    • Diarrhea
    • Hypertension
    • Myalgia
    • Vomiting
      • If a patient vomits, they should skip that dose and continue on with therapy until completion of the course. If a patient misses more than one dose, they should discontinue the therapy.
    • Headache
  • If a patient discontinues due to adverse effects, ensure it is documented on the patient follow-up.

Reporting Adverse Events

  • Any serious or unexpected side effects should be reported to either:
  • Pfizer Canada ULC                            
    17300 Trans-Canada Highway Kirkland, QC H9J 2M5                            
    pfizersafetyreporting.com                            
    Telephone: 1-866-723-7111 Fax: 1-855-242-5652
  • Health Canada                            
    Toll-free at 1-866-234-2345                            
    For information on how to report online, by mail or by fax, see MedEffect Canada's Web page
LAST UPDATED: 09 May 2022
Products

Detailed information on contraindications, cautions, adverse effects and interactions is available in individual drug monographs in eCPS, Lexi-Comp, or other reliable drug monograph references. This information should be routinely consulted before prescribing.

Generic NameStrength/ Formulation
Nirmatrelvir/ Ritonavir (Paxlovid ™)150 mg tablet / 100 mg tablet

Available in two package formats:

  • The original dose carton (DIN 02524031) contains 5 blister cards of 4 nirmatrelvir tablets (150 mg each) and 2 ritonavir tablets (100 mg each) and is to be used for patients with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min.
  • The renal dose carton (DIN 02527804) contains 5 blister cards of 2 nirmatrelvir tablets (150 mg each) and 2 ritonavir tablets (100 mg each) and is to be used for patients with eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min to < 60 mL/min.

Adjustments to renal dose Paxlovid™ (DIN 02527804) to create full dose:

  • To support the provision of federally funded supply, renal dose Paxlovid™ (DIN 02527804) can be used to create the full dose of Paxlovid™.
  • Use 2 packages of the renal dose Paxlovid™. Each card in the renal package contains 2 nirmatrelvir 150 mg tablets and 2 ritonavir 100 mg tablets.
  • In one of the packages, remove and discard 1 ritonavir 100 mg (white) tablet from both the morning and evening dose of each daily card (2 tablets removed from each card, 5 cards in total).
  • Combine a modified daily card with an unmodified daily card to make up a full daily dose.  Full dose Paxlovid™ is two tablets of nirmatrelvir 150 mg (pink) and 1 tablet of ritonavir 100 mg (white) every 12 hours for five days.
  • Consider repackaging the tablets in compliance packaging to reduce patient confusion and chance of dosing error.
  • Bill using a quantity of two (2) renal dose Paxlovid™ (DIN 02527804).
LAST UPDATED: 25 mar 2024
Prescribing and Billing Details

Prescribing of oral antiviral agents is authorized by the Ministry of Health and Chief Medical Health Officer for Saskatchewan under the Paxlovid Distribution, Prescribing and Assessment program.

  • May prescribe sufficient quantity to treat ONE episode of COVID-19.
    • Treatment for symptomatic patients is 5 days. No refills. 
  • Only products with an official indication from Health Canada for COVID-19 infection are considered for these guidelines. Only the active ingredients in the "products" section are approved for pharmacist prescribing.
  • All pharmacists, physicians, and nurse practitioners must use the Prescriber Assessment Record (PAR) Paxlovid™ for Mild COVID-19. 

For Pharmacy Use Only

Prescribing Authority

SCPP Prescribing Authority (Part K): Level II - Other Diseases Identified by the Minister of Health

Billing Codes - see DPEBB Policy and Procedures for more details

ServicepseudoDIN/DIN
Minor Ailment, Self-Care and Other Diseases Fee: COVID-19 (Paxlovid™)

00951375

*Paxlovid™ Ineligibility / Referral Assessment Fee: Pharmacist Prescriber    

00951376

*Paxlovid™ Ineligibility / Referral Assessment Fee: Other Prescribers

00951377

*Paxlovid™ Distribution Fee Original Packaging    

02524031

*Paxlovid™ Distribution Fee Renal Dose Packaging    

02527804

* These fees are unique to Paxlovid™ and are not eligible in conjunction with any other DPEBB professional service programs.                            
 

LAST UPDATED: 30 Aug 2022
Treatment Algorithm

Paxlovid™ for COVID-19 Algorithm     

Paxlovid™ for COVID-19 Eligibility Assessment

No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form outside Saskatchewan, or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. For copyright permission requests, please contact druginfo@usask.ca.

Prescriber Assessment Record (PAR) / Prescription

Paxlovid™ for COVID-19 PAR

LAST UPDATED: 20 Jun 2023

No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form outside Saskatchewan, or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. For copyright permission requests, please contact druginfo@usask.ca.

Additional Resources

Accessibility

  • Pharmacies Dispensing and/or Prescribing Paxlovid™ in Saskatchewan: interactive map

Pharmacy Process

General Information

Drug Interactions

Adverse Reaction Reporting (report to either)

Medication Error/Incident Reporting

References
  1. Dresser L. Covid-19. In: Therapeutics [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Pharmacists Association; c2022 [updated 28 Mar 2022]. Available from: http://www.myrxtx.ca. Also available in paper copy from the publisher
  2. Public Health Agency of Canada. COVID-19: Prevention and risks. Ottawa: Government of Canada; [Updated 22 Apr 2022] Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html
  3. Cohen P, Gebo K. COVID-19: Outpatient evaluation and management of acute illness in adults. Post TW, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (updated 15 Apr 2022; accessed 12 May 2022) Subscription required
  4. McIntosh K. COVID-19: Clinical features. Post TW, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (updated 14 Apr 2022; accessed 12 May 2022) Subscription required
  5. Anesi G. COVID-19: Epidemiology, clinical features, and prognosis of the critically ill adult. Post TW, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (updated 30 Mar 2022; accessed 12 May 2022) Subscription required
  6. Hammond J, Leister-Tebbe H, Gardner A, et al; EPIC-HR Investigators. Oral Nirmatrelvir for High-Risk, Nonhospitalized Adults with Covid-19. N Engl J Med. 2022 Apr 14;386(15):1397-1408. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2118542. Epub 2022 Feb 16. PMID: 35172054; PMCID: PMC8908851.
  7. Infectious Diseases Association of America. IDSA Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients with COVID-19. [document on the Internet]. Updated 10 May 2022. Available from https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/covid-19-guideline-treatment-and-management/# 
  8. BC COVID THERAPEUTICS COMMITTEE (CTC). Practice Tool #3 – Drug-Drug Interactions and Contraindications. Feb 11, 2022. Available from:  http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Professionals-Site/Documents/COVID-treatment/PracticeTool3_DrugInteractionsContraindications.pdf
  9. University of Liverpool. Covid-19 Drug Interactions; Interaction checker. c2022. Available from: https://www.covid19-druginteractions.org/checker
  10. Lexi-Comp OnlineTM, Interactions, Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc.; 2022; Available from: http://online.lexi.com. Subscription required
  11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Professionals. [updated 15 Feb 2022]. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/underlyingconditions.html
  12. COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines. Special Considerations in Pregnancy. National Institutes of Health. Available at https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/special-populations/pregnancy/
  13. UK Health Security Agency 2022. Patient information for Paxlovid. GOV.UK. Updated 04 May 2022. A: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-antiviral-treatment-paxlovid/patient-information-for-paxlovid#information-for-people-who-are-breastfeeding
  14. Clinical management of COVID-19: living guideline, 13 January 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023 (WHO/2019-nCoV/clinical/2023.1). Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
  15. DynaMed. COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). EBSCO Information Services. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.dynamed.com/condition/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
  16. Grant JM, Lam J, Goyal SV, Lother S, Kassim SS, Lee SB, Chan J, Girouard G, Barrett L, Takaya S, Piszczek J, Vinh DC, Findlater AR, Saxinger L. AMMI Canada Practice Point: Updated recommendations for treatment of adults with symptomatic COVID-19 in 2023-2024. J Assoc Med Microbiol Infect Dis Can. 2024 Jan 16;8(4):245-252. PMID: 38250615

Full list of references available upon request. 

LAST UPDATED: MAR 2024

 

Evusheld™ (tixagevimab / cilgavimab)


Important Updates

 

January 17, 2023 - Health Canada update on potential resistance to new subvariants

The Product Monograph has been updated to include neutralization data for new Omicron subvariants.

  • Evusheld is unlikely to be active against BA.2.75.2, BA.4.6, BF.7, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB.
  • Information about circulating variants in Saskatchewan can be found on Usask Global Institute for Water Security webpage, which reports viral trends in wastewater.

January 2023 – Clinical use update: other jurisdictions are not recommending the use of EvusheldTM for COVID-19 

  • As of December 2022, Ontario Health does not recommend use of EvusheldTM for treatment, and no longer recommends use for pre-exposure prophylaxis for any patient group. 
  • BCCDC cautions that EvusheldTM is likely ineffective against many circulating variants of concern. Should it be used as a last line treatment in cases where Paxlovid, remdesivir, or sotrovimab cannot be used, informed consent is necessary. 

Nov 9, 2022 - EvusheldTM Monograph updated with new dosing recommendations

  • Initial EvusheldTM dose for pre-exposure prophylaxis has been increased from 300 mg to 600 mg and recommendations for repeat dosing updated. See Clinical Practice Guideline for details.
  • Astra Zeneca communicated dosing changes and a reminder about potential for resistance.

Oct 26th, 2022 - Health Canada update on the use of EvusheldTM and potential resistance

  • EvusheldTM may not be effective against certain SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants.
  • The Product Monograph for EvusheldTM has been updated with new information about the risk of prophylaxis and treatment failure due to antiviral resistance, including neutralization data on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants (BA.2.12.1, BA.2.75, BA.3, BA.4, BA.4.6, and BA.5).
  • Healthcare providers are advised to:
    • consider local epidemiology and individual exposure to circulating SARS-CoV-2 viral variants when making decisions regarding the use of EvusheldTM.
    • inform patients who receive EvusheldTM about the potential for a lack of effectiveness against certain SARS-CoV-2 viral variants.
    • instruct patients who receive EvusheldTM to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms of COVID-19 occur, persist or worsen.

Oct 18th, 2022 - EvusheldTM approved by Health Canada for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19

 EvusheldTM had previously only been approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19.

  • Although there is evidence for the use of EvusheldTM and other monoclonal products in the treatment of COVID-19, there are significant concerns with resistance of emerging variants to these agents.
  • Refer to the EvusheldTM product monograph for prescribing considerations. The process of accessing EvusheldTM for treatment in Saskatchewan is the same process as prophylaxis and can be found in the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis under ‘Distribution’. 

August, 2022

  • Eligibility criteria for Paxlovid™ prescribing have been updated. Individuals that have previously been infected and have recovered from the infection are now potentially eligible to receive Paxlovid™.  In addition, individuals who previously received an early COVID-19 therapeutic agent are now potentially eligible to receive an additional course of an early COVID-19 antiviral (Paxlovid™, remdesivir).  

  • New dose packaging of Paxlovid™ (DIN 02527804) became available August 2022 for patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR ≥ 30 to < 60 mL/min). The carton contains 5 blister cards of 2 nirmatrelvir tablets (150 mg each) and 2 ritonavir tablets (100 mg each).
Clinical Practice Guidelines - Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Considerations for HCPs - Infographic
EvusheldTm Expiry Date Extension

Prepared by: K Bazylak BSP
Reviewed by: Satchan Takaya (MD FRCPC, Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Saskatchewan, Medical Co-Lead, Early COVID-19 Therapeutics, SHA), Stephen Lee (MD FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Saskatchewan, Medical Co-lead, Early COVID-19 Therapeutics, SHA)
Funded by: The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP)

Posted 19 May 2022

No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form outside Saskatchewan, or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. For copyright permission requests, please contact druginfo@usask.ca.