[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] As calls grow to more actively prescribe oral antiviral treatments (Paxlovid and Lagevrio) amid the resurgence of COVID-19, the Korean Medical Association's COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee announced guidelines on treatment prescriptions on the 17th.
The committee explained the rationale for the recommendation, stating, "With increased activity during the summer, COVID-19 infections are spreading again, and recently about 100,000 new cases are occurring daily. Although the Omicron variant is less severe, its high transmissibility can still be fatal to the elderly and those with underlying conditions, making early treatment of COVID-19 important."
The committee presented prescription criteria based on age. First, for those aged 80 and above (fatality rate 2.42%), who have the highest fatality rate, they recommended a high level of active prescription, prescribing treatment to all suspected COVID-19 cases even with mild symptoms. Next, for those aged 70 and above (0.57%), they issued a moderate level of active prescription recommendation, prescribing to all patients suspected of infection even with mild symptoms.
For those aged 60 and above (fatality rate 0.14%), prescriptions are recommended if symptoms are present, and for those in their 50s or older with underlying conditions or significant symptom worsening, prescriptions are advised based on the physician's judgment.
Additionally, considering drug interactions, the committee recommended that if it is possible to temporarily discontinue current medications for a short period, they should be paused to allow prescribing oral antiviral treatments. They also noted that considering Paxlovid contraindications, patients taking contraindicated drugs that are difficult to stop, such as those for liver or kidney diseases, may be prescribed Lagevrio.
The committee also informed about mild side effects such as taste disorders, diarrhea, and muscle pain, recommending that unless serious adverse reactions occur, patients should complete the full course of treatment (5 days). They advised confirming the severity of symptoms and the patient's health status before proceeding with administration.
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