Hot Topics in Pharmacy: ASHP Advantage: From Evidence to Action: Using Antivirals to Treat High-Risk Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19

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 can play an important role in understanding the ongoing risks and burden of disease with COVID-19, identifying high-risk individuals including hospitalized patients who would benefit from treatment, evaluating recent clinical evidence supporting the use of antiviral therapies, and ensuring access to these therapies. This activity will discuss the most recent clinical evidence surrounding antivirals for COVID-19 and their role 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.