In a bid to relieve immense pressure on the nation's hospital systems, millions of Australians are now eligible for COVID-19 antiviral drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The decision to expand access comes after the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended the changes to the eligibility criteria.
More than 73,000 Australians have already benefited from these medicines. But what exactly are they and how do they ward off COVID-19?
What are antivirals? How do they work?
According to NSW Health, antivirals are medicines that help stop a virus infecting healthy cells or multiplying in the body.
Antiviral drugs are also preventive. They can protect you from spreading a virus to others.
They come in either pill form or can be given intravenously – directly into the bloodstream.
Depending on the drug and virus type, antivirals work differently. Ultimately, they can:
- Block receptors so viruses can’t bind to and enter healthy cells
- Boost the immune system, helping it fight off a viral infection
- Lower the amount of active virus in the body
How much do antivirals help with COVID-19?
NSW Health says antiviral treatments target the virus that causes COVID-19 to prevent it infecting healthy cells in your body and multiplying.
This helps stop the spread of the virus through your body and helps your immune system fight off the infection.
Both drugs, while no substitute for vaccination, help head off the worst effects of the virus and reduce the risk of hospitalisation, according to Royal Australian College of General Practitioners vice-president Bruce Willett.
Who is eligible for antiviral treatments?
Any Australian who tests positive to COVID-19 and is over the age of 70 will be able to access antivirals on the PBS.
Access has also been expanded to people aged over 50 with two or more risk factors for severe disease, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 30 with two or more risk factors for severe disease.
Anyone aged 18 and older who is severely immunocompromised or has severe physical or intellectual disabilities requiring residential care can also request antivirals. People with cerebral palsy or down syndrome can also request antivirals.
Health Minister Mark Butler said he hoped expanding the eligibility would help ease pressure on hospital systems.
"COVID cases and hospitalisation numbers are climbing, particularly with the new variants," he said.
"These oral antivirals dramatically reduce the risk of severe disease, particularly for older Australians and will help keep people out of hospital."
How do I get them?
Your GP
If you test positive to COVID-19, make a phone or video appointment with your GP, or at a GP respiratory clinic, if there's one in your area.
Australian Medical Association vice-president Chris Moy says your GP is your best option, because they know your medical history and medications.
Among other things, you GP will assess your risk factors for severe COVID, see if you fit the PBS criteria, and check your medications won't clash with an antiviral.
Dr Moy also advises that GP practices are often busy or booked out, so make sure you let them know you are seeking COVID-19 antiviral treatment and that it's time sensitive.
Pharmacy prescription
If you are prescribed COVID antivirals, it's recommended you ask someone to collect it on your behalf and drop it off.
But even before you are infected with COVID, it's worth having a chat with your GP about antivirals.
What are the potential side effects?
Antiviral side effects vary depending on what medicine you are being treated with.
Some possible side effects of Paxlovid may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- High blood pressure
Some side effects of Lagevrio may include:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
It is highly advised that you read the PBS's information sheet to understand the side effects of these antivirals.
Who shouldn't take antivirals?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take antivirals.
Those with severe kidney or liver disease should not have Paxlovid.
Mr Butler said it was important that people kept in contact with their GP.
