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

**Authors:** Tyler Liebenstein, Miguel Mailig, Christopher J Crnich, Prakash Balasubramanian

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae283 · 2024-05-14

## 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.

## Key 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.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** nirmatrelvir (PubChem CID 155903259), ritonavir (PubChem CID 5076)
- **Diseases:** COVID-19 (MONDO:0100096)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** COVID-19 (MESH:D000086382)
- **Chemicals:** Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (MESH:C000719967)

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11259131