(We Chinese in America Media Editor Tang Zhao, March 13, 2022) Paxlovid is one of two antiviral pills offered in Los Angeles County's COVID-19 Test and Treat program. (Photo from Associated Press)

Los Angeles County this week launched the "test to treat COVID-19" program announced by President Biden in his State of the Union address, requiring new infections to be tested or show test results at select pharmacies with on-site clinics. Free anti-COVID pills for those who do.

In Los Angeles County, 20 CVS Health clinics have participated in the program, details of which can be found on the County's website at ph.lacounty.gov/covidmedicines or by calling 833-540-0473 for a list. Plans are underway to expand the program to other pharmacies and clinical sites.

Los Angeles County Public Health Commissioner Barbara Ferrer said the antiviral pills offered by the Test the Treatment program are Paxlovid, made by Pfizer, and molnupiravir, made by Merck for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. These medicines must be given within a certain number of days after symptoms start, or from the date of a positive coronavirus test, and the sooner they are taken, the better, but they require a prescription.

Paxlovid and molnupiravir are recommended for patients "at high risk of developing severe COVID-19," according to federal guidelines, but only in those not severe enough to require hospitalization or supplemental oxygen therapy. These drugs, hopefully, will further reduce the chances of serious illness and death for those at highest risk of complications from COVID-19. One benefit of these drugs is that they are easier than the anti-coronavirus drugs that require injections.

Paxlovid, commonly known as nirmatrelvir, is packaged with a package called ritonavir and can be used in people 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds. These pills are usually taken twice a day for five days.

Molnupiravir is intended for adults and is not recommended for use during pregnancy and is only recommended in the absence of other treatments, Ferro said. She worries that many people do not yet know about these anti-coronavirus drugs and how to get them. "If you think you might be a candidate for one of these treatments, ask your provider if you qualify for the pill," she said. "If you don't have a provider, make an appointment with a clinic in the network that offers these treatments." Once a prescription is obtained, patients can get the pills at an approved pharmacy.

(Source: Compiled from Online Information)

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