Telemedicine for Prescribing Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir: Safety, Logistics, and Challenges

TL;DR

This paper discusses the safe use of telemedicine to prescribe a challenging COVID-19 treatment, focusing on managing drug interactions.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel approach using telemedicine and interdisciplinary teamwork to safely prescribe nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.

Findings

An interdisciplinary team successfully prescribed nirmatrelvir/ritonavir via telemedicine.

Managing drug-drug interactions was a key focus for safe prescribing.

Effective communication about medication changes was essential for patient safety.

Abstract

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir can be a useful COVID-19 treatment but is challenging to prescribe safely because of drug-drug interactions. This study describes our experience prescribing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir within a small interdisciplinary team with a specific focus on management of drug-drug interactions. Ascertaining and communicating modifications of concomitant medications is a key safety element.

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is challenging to prescribe safely because of drug-drug interactions. In this study, an interdisciplinary team was able to prescribe nirmatrelvir/ritonavir safely and feasibly via telemedicine. Providers should be diligent about ascertaining and communicating modifications of concomitant medications to patients.