Global guidance for pharmacists in
community, hospital and clinical biology on coronavirus/COVID-19 has
been updated by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and is
released today. The document replaces FIP’s first coronavirus guidance
issued last month. “The situation has developed rapidly and an urgent
update was necessary as, around the world, we are learning more about
this new virus,” said Mrs Jane Dawson, chair of FIP’s Emergency
Taskforce, who is also secretary of FIP’s Military and Emergency
Pharmacy Section and director of health policy for the New Zealand
Defence Force.
The updated guidance document takes into account newly available evidence and recommendations. In particular, around:
- Modes of transmission and incubation period
- Pharmacy operations and facilities: ensuring safety and continuity of service
- Preventive measures, including the use of masks
- Pharmacy interventions and patient counselling
- Treatment guidelines and medicines that may need to be stocked
- Progress in medicines and vaccines development
- Laboratory testing for COVID-19 in suspected human cases
- Cleaning and disinfection products and procedures
- Travel advice
The guidance also addresses opinions on
the safety of the use of ibuprofen, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor
blockers and corticosteroids during the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic,
which suggest an increased risk of infection or increased severity of
disease. FIP has issued a position statement on this issue today,
available on the federation’s website.
“Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization
just over a week ago, and with some countries going into lockdown, we
have seen an even greater reliance on pharmacists as the first point of
contact with the health system. FIP has been hearing from colleagues
around the world who have been stepping up to get their communities
through this challenging time for our health services. We thank them for
the amazing work that they are doing under increased pressure and hope
that this updated guidance will support them in their practice,” Mrs
Dawson said.
FIP’s Coronavirus Emergency Taskforce is made up of experts from several
countries, including China, and representing different regions around
the world. FIP is collaborating with its member organisations and other
partners to make this guidance available in different languages for
maximal dissemination and use.
