Hot Topics in Pharmacy: ASHP Advantage: Access Granted: Unlocking the Benefits of COVID-19 Antiviral Therapies

COVID-19 is an ongoing public health challenge, and the disease continues to spread to patients every day. Numerous factors can influence the risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19 including vaccination status, the number and type of medical conditions, immunosuppression, and age, along with sociodemographic factors and nonpharmaceutical interventions. For high-risk patients with non-severe COVID-19, antiviral medications can reduce progression to severe COVID-19 and can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Despite guideline recommended use of these medications and demonstrated effectiveness, the use of COVID-19 antiviral medications is low. Pharmacists are well positioned to help address the ongoing risks and disease burden associated with COVID-19 by recognizing patients at elevated risk who may benefit from treatment, assessing emerging clinical data that support antiviral use, and facilitating access to these therapies. This activity will provide an overview of the current status of COVID-19 across the United States and assess the role of antiviral treatments in improving patient outcomes. The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.