HEART meds & COVID risk: The Heart Foundation has provided advice for pharmacists over concerns about a possible link between some heart medications and an increased risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
Heart Foundation Risk Reduction Manager Natalie Raffoul said the foundation was aware of concerns about a possible link between ACE inhibitor medications, increased risk of infection with COVID-19 and worsened outcomes.
"For many Australians, pharmacists are uniquely placed as the most accessible point of contact with the healthcare system. As trusted medicine experts, they have a vital role in informing and advising patients who are concerned about their medication or treatment in relation to COVID-19.
"Patients may need to be informed of the known dangers of suddenly stopping their blood pressure medications compared with the interaction of these types of medicines with COVID-19, which at this stage is hypothetical and unproven.
"Pharmacists are well aware of the health needs within their community and their role in supporting the safe and appropriate use of medicines has never been more important."
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