Such authorization was unanimously decided by regulatory agency authorities, and the sale in drugstores should be conducted under medical prescription and guidance to the patient by a pharmacist about its right use.
According to ANVISA, the permission also includes that the manufacturer should maintain and prioritize its supply to the Unique Health System program.
Antiviral medications, such as Paxlovid (developed by the United States-based lab Pfizer), use different mechanisms to curb the virus’ action.
Some include properties that prevent microorganisms from invading human cells, an essential part of the infection process.
Others directly act on the virus´ genetic information, weakening viral replication.
The final objective of this type of medication is to preserve the body and prevent the evolution and worsening of the disease.
Paxlovid is made up of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir packed and administered together. The presentation is of a coated 150 mg concentration tablet.
Its use is recommended by the World Health Organization for patients with light or moderate Covid-19 that present more hospitalization risks.
According to ANVISA’s Director, Meiruze Freitas, the sale on the private market will increase access to the treatment against the virus and won’t replace vaccination which “keeps being the best strategy to avoid Covid-19, hospitalizations and deaths.”
Brazil accumulated 689,000 and three deaths since the pandemic started at the beginning of 2020.
Taken from Orbe
By Osvaldo Cardosa, Chief Correspondent/Brasilia
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