The FDA has updated a checklist designed to help evaluate potential drug interactions and other patient factors before prescribing Paxlovid (copackaged nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets) for COVID-19. It incorporates additional guidance on drugs that should not be taken with Paxlovid or may require dose or other treatment adjustments.
The tool includes specific instructions for suspending and restarting common statins, advising what to do for patients taking hormonal contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol, and following up on patients taking HIV antiretroviral medications. It further lists more than 120 drugs that are either contraindicated, should be avoided or held from use, or require dose adjustments or special monitoring when used with Paxlovid. Any drugs not listed also should be reviewed for potential interactions, the agency advised.