FIP updates COVID-19 guidelines for pharmacists worldwide

The International Pharmaceutical Federation has updated and released by the global guidance for pharmacists in community, hospital and clinical biology on coronavirus/COVID-19. 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 Jane Dawson, chair of FIP’s emergency taskforce, who also is 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 counseling.
• 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,” 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.

FIP’s resources on the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak can be found here.

FIP’s position statement on the association between the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (including ibuprofen), ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and corticosteroids, and an increased risk of coronavirus/COVID-19 infection or disease severity can be found here.