Medications for early treatment of COVID-19 in Australia

Early treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections can prevent hospitalisation and death in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who have one or more risk factors for serious COVID-19 progression. While early treatment presents a range of logistical challenges, clinicians are nevertheless aided by a growing number of approved medications for early treatment of COVID-19. Medications include drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication, anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody formulations that provide passive immunisation, and immunomodulatory drugs that suppress the body's inflammatory response. Several drugs with different modes of action are approved in Australia for early treatment of COVID-19, including nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, molnupiravir, and monoclonal antibody formulations. Although these drugs are recommended, clinicians are encouraged to remain up to date on current indications, contraindications and the clinical efficacy of these drugs against SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in communities. Other treatments, including hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin and dietary supplements, have been popularised but are not recommended for early treatment of COVID-19. As new drugs and new data on use of existing approved drugs become available, clinicians face a growing challenge in determining the optimal treatments from the array of options. As it stands, early treatment of COVID-19 needs to be individualised depending on age, pregnancy status, existing medications, and renal and liver disease status. Future treatments in development might have roles in patients with lower risk profiles and in reducing transmission as we learn to live with SARS-CoV-2.

Automated summary

Early treatment of COVID-19 can prevent hospitalisation and death, and there are several medications available for this purpose, including antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and immunomodulatory drugs. Australia has approved multiple drugs for early treatment, but clinicians need to stay updated on their indications, contraindications, and efficacy against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.