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FIP releases substantial update to COVID-19 guidelines for pharmacists around the world

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The Hague • 19 March 2020

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.

Notes for editors 

Links
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.


Interview
Mrs Jane Dawson is available for interview on request.

About FIP
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through our 151 member organisations, we represent over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. Our vision is a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and pharmaceutical care. www.fip.org


PRESS CONTACT 
Lin-Nam Wang
Head of Corporate Communications and Advocacy, FIP
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 70 302 1979

Last update 5 July 2018

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