Blog Layout

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.

Warning signs your child is struggling with mental health | Growlife Medical

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.

Book An Appointment

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.

Managing COVID-19 At Home With Assistance From Your GP

By Dr Aaron Chambers • 11 Jan, 2022

Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your GP - an article by Growlife Medical that guides on how to manage family & friends with Coronavirus at home.

Guide To Child Vaccination For COVID-19

By Dr Aaron Chambers • 23 Dec, 2021

Growlife Medical explores Coronavirus vaccines, doses and side effects for 5-11 year old children, & details how to book COVID-19 vaccinations for children.

Why Sick Kids Need a GP not Emergency

By Dr Emma Scriven • 17 Feb, 2021

Right now, we are seeing a strange trend. Emergency Departments are overwhelmed with unprecedented high demand. But mostly for minor illnesses. At the same time, GPs are wondering where all the sick kids have gone? Our Emergency colleagues are really happy to help you where your child has an urgent problem or is seriously unwell. But they are struggling to keep up due to the numbers of people presenting with coughs and colds. Dr Emma Scriven discusses her experience as a parent, and how you can have more convenient, safe care, in a setting where you're not surrounded by dozens of people with infectious illnesses. Things have changed a bit during COVID, but at Growlife Medical , we are still here for you.

Guide To Coronavirus Vaccine for Brisbane

By Dr Aaron Chambers • 27 Jan, 2021

Growlife Medical is well prepared to provide Coronavirus vaccinations in Brisbane, expected to start from March 2021. All of our Brisbane clinics are equiped to provide the Coronavirus vaccine. We will provide updates on the COVID19 immunisation program.