Medication

On this page

    Regular medications

    If you are taking regular medications, please ensure you have adequate supply.

    The Virtual Ward Team recommends a minimum supply to cover 14 days.

    You should contact your local community pharmacy for supply and/or delivery of your regular prescription and non-prescription medications to last through your infectious period.

    If your doctor or GP sent you an electronic prescription, you can send a copy of the token (which looks like a QR code) to your local pharmacy and they can dispense your medication(s) as per usual processes.

    Make sure your local pharmacy has your correct contact details, including phone number and address (making sure to specify if you are staying at an address other than your permanent residence).

    Phone your local pharmacy to see if they can deliver your medication(s) to you. Alternatively, give authority for a friend or family member (who is not unwell) to collect your medication(s) on your behalf.

    In certain circumstances the Virtual Ward Team can assist with organising new prescriptions for your regular medications. Please contact the Virtual Ward team for advice.

    Who prescribes my COVID-19 treatments?

    COVID-19 treatments will be prescribed by the medical team working on the Virtual Ward if treatment is deemed appropriate for your level of COVID-19 symptoms. The medical team will review any existing medical conditions and use of other medications. Treatments may include inhaled corticosteroids, oral or intravenous antivirals, and intravenous or intramuscular monoclonal antibodies.

    COVID-specific therapies

    There are a number of medications that are used to treat COVID-19 infection for some people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection. These include antiviral treatments and antibody treatments.

    Antiviral medicines target the virus (SARS-COV-2) that causes COVID-19 to prevent it infecting healthy cells in your body and multiplying. This helps stop the spread of the virus inside your body to help your immune system to fight off the infection.

    If you would benefit from these treatments, the Virtual Ward will arrange these treatments.

    Antivirals are not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination is still the best protection against COVID-19.

    How do you take antivirals?

    COVID-19 antivirals work best when taken as soon as possible, usually within 5 days from when your symptoms start.

    Most people who are eligible will be prescribed oral antivirals, which come in tablet or capsule form to be taken by the mouth. This means you can take these medicines at home and do not need to go into hospital for treatment.

    There are other treatment options, including antiviral injections. The doctor will let you know the best treatment option for you.

    Other COVID-19 treatments

    Your treating team may also prescribe an inhaler to help reduce inflammation of your airways and ease your symptoms. Studies have shown that certain types of inhalers may reduce symptoms and hospitalisation in patients with COVID-19. If you already use an inhaler for another respiratory condition, your team will provide you with instructions for your best treatment plan.

    How will I receive my COVID-19 treatments?

    If you are prescribed a COVID-19 treatment, the method of supply is different for each treatment. The Virtual Ward staff will explain to you what supply option is relevant to your treatment. This may be supplied to you via contactless delivery or administered at a Queensland Health facility.

    Can I take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a fever?

    Fever can be one of the symptoms of COVID-19. If you experience fever, you can treat it with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be taken at the same time.

    Paracetamol Dose (12 years-old and above):

    • Take 1000mg (2 x 500mg tablets) every FOUR to SIX hours when required. Do NOT take more than 4000mg (8 tablets) in 24 hours.

    Note 1: be aware of other paracetamol-containing medications e.g., Cold & Flu tablets, etc. If using multiple paracetamol-containing medications, do not exceed more than 4000mg of paracetamol in 24 hours.

    Note 2: some patients may require a different dose; follow advice from your treating health clinician

    Ibuprofen Dose (12 years-old and above):

    • Take 400mg (2 x 200mg tablets) every SIX to EIGHT hours with food when required. Do NOT take more than 1200mg (6 tablets) in 24 hours.

    Note 1: If you already take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) do NOT take additional ibuprofen. Talk to your treating team who can provide you further information.

    Note 2: Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and may have medication interactions or not be suitable for all patients; follow advice from your doctor or pharmacist

    Where can I buy it?

    Paracetamol and ibuprofen are available from your local pharmacy over the counter without a prescription, or they can be delivered by a supermarket when you purchase groceries. They are sold under a variety of brand names.

    Using nebulisers during COVID-19

    Extracted from: Nebulisers during COVID-19 – Asthma Australia

    If you already use a nebuliser as part of your health care, talk to the team at the Virtual Ward as nebulisers carry a higher risk of transmitting viral infections. They generate an aerosol (mist) that can carry infectious virus particles, if being used by a person with a virus. These particles are misted into the air, can spread for several metres, and remain airborne from 30 minutes to several hours.

    You cannot catch COVID-19 from using your personal nebuliser machine. Sharing equipment is not recommended so only you should use it.

    If you are positive with COVID-19 and you use a nebuliser, you could spread COVID-19 throughout your home environment.

    If you need to use your nebuliser, talk to Virtual Ward clinical staff and see safety tips below.

    Using your nebuliser safely during  COVID-19

    Here are 7 things people with asthma need to consider when using your nebuliser at home;

    1. Do you need your nebuliser or could you use a puffer and spacer instead? The Virtual Ward clinical staff will discuss your options.
    2. If you are using a nebuliser ensure you follow all COVID-19 safe hygiene practices and health advice to protect against COVID-19.
    3. Many people with COVID-19 do not show symptoms of the infection, so it is important to always think about where you use your nebuliser and use it away from shared family/group areas where possible.
    4. If nebulising in a closed room, make sure other people do not enter the room for at least 30 minutes after use.
    5. Clean all communal surfaces with disinfectant after using the nebuliser.
    6. If you need others to help you with your nebuliser, ask them to wear a N95 facemask while you are using the nebuliser and for 30 minutes after use if they are in the same room as you.
    7. If you are worried about your access to nebulisers, or using your nebuliser for asthma during this time, you can talk to the Virtual Ward Clinical Staff

    Extracted from: Nebulisers during COVID-19 – Asthma Australia