Paxlovid in Italy

Are you in Italy now? I saw my regular doctor for a pre-travel checkup and he wrote me an Rx for Paxlovid which I filled and took with me to Greece. He also gave me instructions to stop my Lipitor while I was taking it. I didn't need it, but it has expired, so not helpful for my next trip.

Before you dispose of your Paxlovid, read this: https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Therapeutics/updates/Pages/important-update-18January2023.aspx

Is there any way for an American to get it?

Yes.

1. Get covid
2. Get really sick
3. Have a doctor determine that Paxlovid is the best way for you to get better.

In Europe, the medicines you get will be based on your condition and what the medical professionals think will help you.

Take it with you. My doctor also offered to prescribe it for me when we again travel to Europe with a tour, just in case. Of course, the case I had this year had me down and out for 4 straight days.

Before you dispose of your Paxlovid, read this: https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Therapeutics/updates/Pages/important-update-18January2023.aspx

Thanks, Alan, I'll check this out!

Thanks Alan for pointing me to the extended dates. My doctor also gave me a prescription which I filled and took for my France tour. It's good to know that the stuff is still good if i should need it.

Both my wife and I got Covid when we were in Italy. Early on, I became pretty ill. I tried to get paxlovid and was told by two different doctors (one recommended by the American Embassy) to not even try. He also scarfed saying “in the states they give it out like cotton candy“. I took their course of preventative and comfort treatment, and became progressively worse. At that point, we made the decision to try to get out of Italy, and by the time we got to New York, I was passed the window for the antiviral, but also had full-blown pneumonia in both lungs diagnosed as Covid pneumonia. I am still very ill. If you are worried about getting Covid, Do Not Go to Italy!!! my background is in public health regulation. The physicians I have spoken with here in the states were appalled to hear what happened to me.

@martf365 So sorry to hear that. Yeah, we weren't able to get Paxlovid in Italy at all and our experience with doctors/pharmacists there was the same as yours. Luckily our Covid was very mild, though. Looks like the move is to try to get a prescription for it as a precaution before you leave the states in future.

Sorry this happened to you. I'm very concerned about this issue for an upcoming trip to France, as I understand it is difficult to get paxlovid there, while it is relatively easy here if you are over 65 and fulfill certain requirements. However, most doctors don't give it out like cotton candy here, and my doctor at Kaiser will not give it as a precaution--it will be prescribed only if I have symptoms and a positive test.

@Barbara N Perhaps hunt around for another doctor to get a prescription before you go?

Then thank goodness my doctor who also travels, understands the difficulty of obtaining Paxlovid in Europe and trusts me to not take it unless I am seriously sick and test positive for Covid. I am over 65 and I was in bed for 4 straight days in Portugal last April. I would rather not go thru that again, if possible, so far from home.