Covid medication Paxlovid

Janrose

Has anyone traveled to Europe with prescription anti-viral Paxlovid for use if you get Covid while away? I am wondering if there would be a problem bringing it in?

AlanS

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British

Janrose, a friend of mine is traveling abroad this weekend. She has a rare genetic blood disorder that she has to take care of, only diagnosed just pre Covid, so it is her first trip out of the country. She is on good terms with all the top Drs of her disease and wanted to get Paxlovid just in case. She called the first dr, he said no, you can only get a script if you test positive. The second said the same. The third doctor gave her a script, she’s very persuasive, she’s a lawyer. So it looks as if your main problems will be finding a dr who will give you a script.

voikk32

I'd say the third doctor isn't ethical. It is supposed to be prescription only if 1) you test positive and 2) are at high risk. The person who obtained Paxlovid may be at high risk but she hasn't met the first requirement by testing positive.

Some may feel what's the harm--well, I have family who tested positive and have at least one co-morbidity who had a tough time getting Paxlovid so for people to be asking for this drug as a precaution doesn't sit well with me. I'd also be concerned about a doctor flouting the rules on this drug as so many doctors did on prescribing opioids. Definitely not the same thing. Nonetheless it's not ethical and whether this person is a lawyer or not should have no bearing on whether she is able to get a drug that is not meant to be a medicine cabinet staple.

Go ahead and flag me.

Gourmet Gal

Hopefully with time there will be more availability. This morning I listened to an expert from Johns Hopkins who said if available it’s actually a good idea to travel with Paxlovid if you are in a high risk group, which could simply be over 65. He said everyone will get Covid sooner or later because who hasn’t had a cold ever?