USFDA authorises pharmacists to prescribe Pfizer's coronavirus pill

Use of the pill which is now authorized to treat newly infected, at-risk people to prevent severe illness, has however jumped in recent weeks as infections rise

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) said it has authorised state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Pfizer Inc's Covid-19 pill. The pill will be prescribed to eligible patients to help improve access to the treatment. The antiviral drug, Paxlovid, has now been given a nod for use. Paxlovid has been available for free in the United States since December, but fewer than half of the nearly four million courses distributed by the government to the pharmacies have so far been administered.

The use of the pill, which is now authorised to treat newly infected, at-risk people to prevent severe illness, has