Paxlovid Singapore: Availability and Cost
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Singapore, you may have heard about Paxlovid. Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that has been approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients who are at risk of developing severe disease. In this article, we will provide an overview of Paxlovid in Singapore, including its efficacy and safety, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Paxlovid is an oral medication that is taken twice a day for five days. It is most effective when taken within five days of symptom onset. The medication works by inhibiting the replication of the virus that causes COVID-19. It has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in patients who are at risk of developing severe disease.
If you are considering taking Paxlovid or have been prescribed it by your doctor, you may have some questions. In the following sections, we will provide an overview of Paxlovid in Singapore, including its efficacy and safety, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Key Takeaways
- Paxlovid is an antiviral medication approved by the HSA for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients who are at risk of developing severe disease.
- Paxlovid is an oral medication that is taken twice a day for five days and is most effective when taken within five days of symptom onset.
- Paxlovid has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in patients who are at risk of developing severe disease.
Paxlovid in Singapore: Overview
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19 and is at risk of progressing to severe disease, you may have heard of Paxlovid. Here’s what you need to know about the antiviral medication in Singapore.
Approval and Access
Pfizer’s Paxlovid has been approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore for the treatment of COVID-19 in adult patients who are at risk of severe disease. It was granted authorization under the Pandemic Special Access Route, which allows for expedited access to therapeutic products during public health emergencies.
Currently, Paxlovid is available at three polyclinics and 20 Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) in Singapore, as part of the country’s efforts to treat COVID-19 patients.
Administration and Dosage
Paxlovid is a combination of two drugs, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, and is taken orally. It should be administered within five days of symptom onset, and the recommended dosage is two tablets (200 mg nirmatrelvir/50 mg ritonavir) twice daily for five days.
It is important to note that Paxlovid should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they will be able to assess whether it is appropriate for you and provide instructions on how to take it correctly.
Target Patient Groups
Paxlovid is intended for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adult patients who are at risk of progressing to severe disease. This includes patients who are 12 years of age and older, weigh at least 40 kilograms, and have positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has stated that it will fully cover the cost of Paxlovid use in primary care settings, regardless of the patient’s vaccination status, as it can reduce the likelihood of high-risk patients developing severe COVID-19 and requiring hospital admission.
Overall, Paxlovid represents a promising option for the treatment of COVID-19 in Singapore. If you or someone you know is at risk of severe disease and has been diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19, speak to a healthcare professional to see if Paxlovid may be an appropriate treatment option.
Efficacy and Safety
Paxlovid is an antiviral medication used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalisation or death. Here are some key things to know about the efficacy and safety of Paxlovid:
Clinical Trial Outcomes
Clinical data from trials has shown that Paxlovid can reduce the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89% in high-risk, ambulatory adults with COVID-19. The trials have also shown that Paxlovid can reduce the duration of symptoms and the risk of progression to severe disease.
Managing Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Like all medications, Paxlovid may cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects include headache, fatigue, diarrhoea, and nausea. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some drugs may interact with Paxlovid.
Effectiveness Against Variants of Concern
In vitro data has shown that Paxlovid is active against the prevailing variants of concern, including the Delta and Omicron variants. Clinical studies have also shown that Paxlovid is effective against these variants in high-risk, ambulatory adults with COVID-19.
Safety Data
The safety data from clinical trials has shown that Paxlovid has a favourable benefit-risk profile. The most common adverse events reported were mild-to-moderate in severity and resolved within a few days.
It is important to note that Paxlovid is not authorised for initiation of treatment in patients requiring hospitalisation due to severe or critical COVID-19. Paxlovid is also not authorised for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of COVID-19. Paxlovid should not be used for longer than 5 consecutive days.
If you have any concerns about the efficacy or safety of Paxlovid, speak to your doctor. They can provide you with more information and help you make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can one purchase Paxlovid in Singapore?
Paxlovid is currently available at three polyclinics and 20 Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) in Singapore. You can check the Ministry of Health (MOH) website for the list of clinics that offer Paxlovid.
Is there a subsidy available for Paxlovid in Singapore?
Yes, there is a subsidy available for eligible patients. Under the Special Access Route (SAR) framework, MOH will subsidise the cost of Paxlovid for patients who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. The subsidy amount will depend on your income level and the type of clinic you visit.
Can general practitioners prescribe Paxlovid in Singapore?
No, general practitioners (GPs) cannot prescribe Paxlovid. Only doctors from the clinics that are authorised to prescribe Paxlovid can do so. You can check with the clinic if they are authorised to prescribe Paxlovid.