Paxlovid and Lagevrio (COVID oral antivirals)
NHS England recommend that community pharmacies maintain one or two courses of COVID-19 oral antivirals in stock, depending on usual demand, to dispense against prescriptions immediately. The products are-
- Paxlovid 150mg/100mg tablets (Nirmatrelvir 150mg tablets and Ritonavir 100mg tablets)
- Lagevrio 200mg capsules (Molnupiravir 200mg capsules)
They are included in Part VIIIC(i) of the England & Wales Drug Tariff.
These products are supplied without charge from government stockpiles via Alliance Healthcare who are increasing holdings in their service centres, so there is no financial impact if the products are held and exceeds their shelf life. There is also no single order surcharge for these products.
These measures will help reduce waiting times for patients presenting time sensitive prescriptions.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have different mechanisms for the supply of COVID antivirals.