COVID-19 Oral Treatments Are Now PBS-approved

As of 1 May 2022, two COVID-19 oral prescription-only medications are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Growlife Medical explores eligibility and how to go about obtaining these COVID-19 oral treatments.

Who Might Qualify For A COVID-19 Oral Treatment

Patients who have contracted a mild to moderate case of COVID-19, which has been confirmed with a PCR or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), may qualify for a COVID-19 oral treatment.

Additionally, if you have a condition that puts you at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease you may be eligible for an oral treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

You have to act quickly, as COVID-19 oral treatments only work if started early after the onset of symptoms.

Within the first five days of symptoms, you may be eligible if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Immunosuppressed 
• Diabetes requiring medication
• Obese (Body Mass Index (BMI) > 30)
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Other serious cardiac conditions 
• COPD or bronchiectasis
• Asthma on preventer medication
• Require a CPAP machine
• Cirrhosis
• Previous stroke
• Dementia
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Sickle-cell disease
• Live in residential aged care

The risk of severe illness becomes more likely the older you get, so Coronavirus sufferers over 50 years of age must have multiple risk factors to be eligible. For those over 75 years, only one other risk factor is required. Patients with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage may be eligible at a younger age.

These COVID-19 oral therapies can only be prescribed by your GP. Your doctor has the choice of two different oral anti-viral medications available via the PBS.

How To Get Antiviral Medication for Coronavirus

If you are within the first five days of symptoms, have tested positive to COVID-19, and meet any of the listed criteria, please book a  telehealth appointment with your GP. Ask if you’re eligible for a COVID-19 oral treatment to reduce the severity of COVID-19. Your GP will be able to make an assessment of your current symptoms and your risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection. If appropriate, your GP will send you an escript, and you can then contact your pharmacy to dispense an oral COVID-19 treatment.

Sustained shortness of breath and extreme fever are symptoms of severe COVID-19 infection. As with any condition, if severe or life threatening, please call an ambulance on 000.

For more information, see our article on managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your GP.