THUNDER BAY — An antiviral medication now being offered at Rexall and other pharmacies across the region aims to ease the strain on our healthcare system.
Pharmacists at Rexall pharmacies in Ontario have been given the go-ahead to prescribe Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to customers and patients in an effort to improve accessibility to medication for those facing or who have been exposed to influenza A or B.
“This initiative is a testament to our dedication to delivering the best possible service and care in the communities we proudly serve. Understanding the importance of accessible healthcare, we are continuously enhancing our services to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Ricky Tiwana, Senior Director of Central Pharmacy Operations at Rexall, said in a statement provided to Dougall Media.
“At Rexall, we are committed to ensuring community access to vital medications and healthcare services, particularly during flu season. Our team works quickly to align with government notifications about providing treatment through local pharmacies. As soon as we receive these notifications, we swiftly engage in the sourcing and procurement [of] necessary medications like Tamiflu and make sure our pharmacists are prepared to offer these essential services on the ground.”
This past September, the Ontario government announced that they were working on approval for the distribution of Tamiflu in pharmacies across the province.
Now, with the full support of the provincial government, Rexall can move forward with prescribing Tamiflu – an especially timely move considering the challenges that the northern healthcare system is currently facing.
“Our immediate response in making Tamiflu available is in direct compliance with the latest public health guidelines and extends our ability to provide an effective treatment for individuals impacted by influenza in a timely manner,” Tiwana said.
With Rexall locations in Atikokan, Nipigon, Geraldton, Longlac, and right here in Thunder Bay, the addition of Tamiflu medication is a positive step for healthcare in the north and particularly for more remote communities where residents may not have immediate access to a doctor.
Residents in any of the communities listed above can visit their local Rexall for a therapeutic assessment to determine if Tamiflu is the right fit for them.
Those referred through Public Health Ontario or who are harbouring symptoms of early-stage flu A or B are eligible to receive an assessment as well.
People are also still encouraged to get their flu shots as Tamiflu is not a vaccine replacement.
