Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, and its declaration as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the reliance on pharmacists as one of the first points of contact within the healthcare system has been highlighted. This evidence-based review is aimed at providing guidance for pharmacists in community, hospital and other settings in South Africa, on the management of patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19. The situation is rapidly evolving, and new evidence continues to emerge on a daily basis. This guidance document takes into account and includes newly available evidence and recommendations, particularly around the following aspects relating to COVID-19: EpidemiologyThe virus, its modes of transmission and incubation periodSymptom identification, including the differentiation between influenza, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and COVID-19Social media myths and misinformationTreatment guidelines and medicines that may need to be kept in stockTreatment and prevention options, including an update on vaccine developmentThe case for and against the use of NSAIDs, ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with COVID-19Interventions and patient counselling by the pharmacist.It is critical, though, that pharmacists access the most recent and authoritative information to guide their practice. Key websites that can be relied upon are: World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/covid-19/National Department of Health (NDoH): http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/outbreaks/145-corona-virus-outbreak/465-corona-virus-outbreak; https://sacoronavirus.co.za/
Highlights
Introduction and brief epidemiologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic, meaning that there is a global spread
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or SARS-CoV, which was first identified in China, in 2003, and
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or MERS-CoV, which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic, meaning that there is a global spread. In one such randomised, controlled, open-label study that involved confirmed and hospitalised SARS-CoV-2 infected adult patients, which were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either receive LPV/r in addition to their standard of care, or standard of care only, it was concluded that treatment with LPV/r was not associated with a difference from standard of care (i.e. the time to clinical improvement and the 28-day mortality rate was essentially similar in both groups). Inpatient facilities need to review the stocking levels of ward or unit supplies, and the pharmacist should endeavour to assist in procuring stock of experimental, clinical trial or Section 21-based supplies as needed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
