Wisconsin got its first allotment of antiviral COVID-19 treatments this week.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said it received both molnupiravir and Paxlovid.
The pills are meant to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
DHS said the initial supply to states from the federal government is extremely limited.
It said health care providers are encouraged to prioritize prescribing these new therapeutics to those patients at greatest risk of serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. Wisconsinites who may be eligible for these treatments should talk with their health care provider.
“While these new antiviral pills may help treat COVID-19, it’s important to remember these drugs are not a substitution for protecting yourself by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in public places,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake in a news release. “We anticipate high demand for these medications, and we know that the initial supply we are receiving will be extremely limited. Please be patient as providers will prioritize people at highest risk for developing serious illness from the virus. We are committed to distributing these pills equitably across the state, and access will increase as Wisconsin receives more allocations from the federal government.”
You can learn more about the drugs on Department of Health Services’ website.
Wisconsin’s first week allocation from the federal government includes 940 courses of Paxlovid and 4,320 courses of molnupiravir.
DHS will distribute the courses to select pharmacies by Friday, January 7.
As Wisconsin receives more allocations from the federal government, DHS will continue to distribute the antiviral pills equitably throughout the state.
