Health Canada has approved the antiviral drug Paxlovid™ for the treatment of COVID-19. As the supply is limited, health and social services institutions will identify patients with very high risk of complications to be treated as a priority. For details on treatment with Paxlovid™ and to verify if you can benefit from it, see the Oral treatment against COVID-19 (Paxlovid™) page.
Medication supplies
The gouvernement du Québec and its partners are working to ensure that a sufficient and uninterrupted supply of medication is available throughout Québec.
Pharmacists can deliver medication in accordance with the rules that applied prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. They must determine the length of time covered by the quantity served on the basis of the patient’s needs and any potential difficulty of resupply of the medication.
How to best receive services from your pharmacist
If you, your child, or another member of your family believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, consult the COVID-19 test section or call 1-877-644‑4545 right away and comply with the directives that you are given. Pharmacies are not the preferred place to obtain information about COVID-19.
In order to limit contacts between patients and pharmacy caregivers, callers should in the first place dial in to renew their prescriptions. We strongly recommend calling your pharmacy 24 hours in advance to give staff time to prepare your order. Some pharmacies also provide online renewal on their website.
If you are only seeking advice from your pharmacist, use the telephone.
Most pharmacies offer delivery services.
Remember that the sheer volume of deliveries is currently much higher than usual and try and be understanding when extra time is needed. We also ask that people in good health refrain from using delivery services, to free up priority time for those that are unable to pick up their meds in person.
If you must go to the pharmacy in person, follow the basic health directives.
Instead, phone your pharmacist to receive the support you need for your medication and pharmaceutical services. Ask a close friend or family member to pick up your meds at the pharmacy or ask the pharmacist if delivery is available.
Optimal medication for treating a fever
Acetaminophen (sold over-the-counter as Atasol®, Tylenol®, Tempra® and house brands) remains the best choice for reducing fever. Do not exceed the recommended dose—this is especially important for children, based on their weight. If you feel the need to ask your pharmacist for answers about how to use the product, do not hesitate to call in.
Ibuprofen and other NSAID anti-inflammatories like Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve® or Aspirin taken for fever should not be envisaged except when recommended by a health professional or in case of an allergy to acetaminophen. People who take aspirin or NSAIDs regularly should not stop except when so advised by their doctor or pharmacist.
Last update: February 23, 2023
