Oral treatment for COVID-19: what is it?
It is a medication taken orally in tablet form for 5 consecutive days for the purpose of reducing the severity of COVID-19-related symptoms. Treatment must be started within the first 5 days following the appearance of the first symptoms.
To gain access to this treatment, succinctly speaking, a person must:
- belong to one of the categories of people at risk referred to below;
- have tested positive for COVID-19;
- be showing symptoms of COVID-19 for 5 days or less;
- obtain a prescription from a pharmacist, a nurse practitioner or a medical doctor.
It is therefore important to undergo a screening test and to consult a health professional right away if you are looking to obtain this treatment. Schedule an appointment with your pharmacist affiliated with Accès pharma chez Walmart in order to obtain a rapid self-test or a consultation – free of charge, quickly and easily.
Note
Oral treatment for COVID-19 has no preventive effect, which means that it cannot protect people against risks of contracting the disease. In no way does this treatment replace vaccination against COVID-19.
Who is eligible for oral treatment of COVID-19?
Basic criteria of the INESSS
The Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) recommends oral treatment for COVID-19 to people with COVID-19 who are at high risk of complications and belong to one of the following categories:
- Adults of all ages with moderate-to-severe immunosuppression caused by an underlying condition or the treatment of said condition (irrespective of vaccination status);
- People aged 60 and older who are inadequately immunized (fewer than 2 doses received) or unprotected against COVID-19;
- Individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who are inadequately immunized (fewer than 2 doses received) or unprotected against COVID-19 and who suffer from one of the following health problems:
- hemoglobinopathy,
- obesity,
- uncontrolled diabetes,
- moderate chronic kidney failure,
- light-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency,
- uncontrolled hypertension,
- atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,
- chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, etc.);
- Adolescents (weighing 40 kg or more) and pregnant women who suffer from one of the above-mentioned health issues AND who are inadequately immunized (fewer than 2 doses received) or unprotected against COVID-19;*
- Exceptionally, adults who are adequately protected or immunized against COVID-19 and are at very high risk of complications from the disease (several comorbidities within the list above, in particular those that are uncontrolled, in individuals having reached old age, in those who are poorly protected against current variants despite a comprehensive vaccination record).*
* Upon the recommendation of a specialized medical doctor, a pharmacist or an experienced health care worker.
Secondary criteria and contraindications
To receive specific oral treatment for COVID-19, you must also:
- have a confirmation of your COVID-19 positive status, i.e., a positive screening test result via PCR testing or a rapid self-test;
- be showing symptoms for 5 days or less;
- have no contraindications to taking the medication due to the state of your health, a severe allergy to one of its ingredients or a possible interaction with your concomitant medications;
- not suffer from severe kidney and/or liver problems;
- not be hospitalized.
How to obtain oral treatment for COVID-19
As soon as symptoms associated with COVID-19 appear, if your condition seems to match defined criteria, undergo a screening test in order to confirm that you have contracted the virus. You can obtain a rapid self-test without a prescription at your Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacy while in confinement, by ordering it over the phone or online and having it delivered to your home.
If your result is positive, we kindly ask you not to make your way to the pharmacy. Make an appointment instead, for a virtual consultation or a meeting with your pharmacist over the phone in order to secure a prescription as quickly as possible.
Protect yourselves, our staff and customers from COVID-19
In order to avoid contact with others and limit the spread of the disease, we kindly ask you to remain in self-isolation in your home and to take advantage of our various remote services. Indeed, we are using our best efforts to create the safest-possible environment in the context of the pandemic:
- Photo transmission of prescriptions
- Prescription renewals over the phone or online
- At-home delivery free of charge
- Curbside medication pick-up
To learn more about recommended preventive measures applied in stores, please read our related article, Before going to the pharmacy.
Availability may vary from one pharmacy to another. Feel free to get in touch with the team at your pharmacy to verify availability or for any questions regarding this service.
