Guidance intended for use by Primary Care Physicians and Pharmacists
Current evidence does not support that ACEi and ARBs are associated with the worsening of COVID-19 related outcomes
These drugs save lives and should be continued in patients who are already receiving them for their heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease or kidney disease with proteinuria
Patients should continue on immunomodulating / immunosuppressive therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), autoimmune diseases including but not limited to the kidney, skin or joints or solid organ transplants, unless a specialist recommends otherwise. Stopping medication could result in a flare and place the patient at higher risk
If a biologic infusion or injection must be delayed because the patient has COVID-19, or because they are self-isolated, the patient should contact their specialist to consider rescheduling
Patients of all ages with asthma or COPD who use inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or oral corticosteroids (OCS) as controller/preventer therapy should remain on their medicines exactly as prescribed by their physician(s) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
Using ICS or OCS as prescribed is necessary for protecting those with asthma or COPD from flare-ups, which can lead to the need for emergency care or hospitalization
Exacerbations of asthma or COPD should be treated according to usual protocols, including steroid treatment if warranted
There is no scientific evidence to support that ICS or OCS should be avoided in patients with asthma or COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic
Patients using NSAIDs including ASA for chronic conditions should remain on these medications
Current evidence does not support that NSAIDs worsen symptoms of COVID-19
Acetaminophen is generally recommended for the treatment of fever