American Outcomes Management, L.P. (AOM) considers the safety of our patients and staff our top priority. We are monitoring the situation and will inform our patients if we foresee any impact to normal pharmacy operations due to the virus. Please see the current CDC information here for an up-to-date status on the virus. What is COVID-19?The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 150 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). As of March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization has declared the situation a pandemic. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:
How is COVID-19 spread?Human coronaviruses are usually spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing and through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSCan COVID-19 live on a pill bottle or packaging?It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not the primary way the virus spreads. In general, coronaviruses do not live well outside of the body and the vast majority of transmission is by droplet from direct contact with infected individuals. Patients can take extra precautions by wiping down the external mailing package with a disinfectant wipe before they open, and always wash their hands after. Is my medication safe to take?Yes, your medication is safe to take. We maintain rigorous safety standards for the inventory in our pharmacies, and follow guidance from the FDA, CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. We only dispense medications that are approved by the FDA for U.S. market. All drugs approved for use in the United States must comply with FDA manufacturing standards to assure quality and product label requirements.Does taking my medication put me at higher risk?Currently, there are no data showing increased risk for patients taking any specific medications. The CDC lists the following populations as higher risk for getting very sick:
Will I still receive my home infusions while people are being asked to stay home?Yes. The health and well-being of our patients is our top priority. We are well prepared to meet the medication needs of our patients so you can stay healthy. We maintain universal precautions regardless of the patient’s illness, and will continue to work with your physician to determine the best course of action. We have an effective Infection Control plan in place, and have stringent processes to protect each patient and nurse. PREVENTION IS KEYConsider the following when thinking about symptoms of the common cold vs. the coronavirus:
It’s important to maintain the steps we’ve recently taken regarding our hygiene and begin to follow new social distancing guidance when working from home or after you leave the workplace:
The wisdom of early and aggressive social distancing is that it can flatten the curve of viral spread, prevent the overwhelming of our health system, and eventually reduce the length and need for longer periods of extreme social distancing later (evidenced by what has transpired in Italy and Wuhan). We all need to do our part during these times, even if it means some discomfort. We will get through this. It is important to practice healthy habits by aiming for the recommended eight hours of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a well-balanced diet. Be calm, take care of yourself and your family, and follow public health guidelines. PROTECTIVE MEASURES
RESOURCESCDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.htmlWHO https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OR PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER
For AOM Patients Receiving IVIGPlasma Protein Therapeutics Association Statement PPTA considers that the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak is not a concern for the safety of plasma protein therapies manufactured by PPTA member companies based on the following information:
IgNS Statement Regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2)The recent outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2) has raised awareness around the safety of plasma protein therapies in the US and worldwide. COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2), initially detected in Wuhan City, China, has now spread to over 37 locations, both internationally and within the US. This new strand of Coronavirus is similar to, and in the same viral family as the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2), a large, lipid-enveloped virus, was most likely introduced to the human population through contact with the secretions of infected animals in Wuhan, China. Due to its morphology (presence of a lipid envelope) and size, COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2) is considered to be highly susceptible to viral inactivation and removal processes currently employed by plasma protein product manufacturers. These processes include the use of solvent/detergent treatment, caprylate, nanofiltration, pasteurization, and other dedicated viral inactivation and removal steps. Further, strict screening processes and ongoing monitoring of qualified plasma donors in the US provides an additional layer of safety around plasma used to manufacture plasma protein therapies. The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) has issued an update to address the concerns of plasma safety in the face of a potential pandemic (www.pptaglobal.org). Based on the available data, PPTA does not believe that COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2) poses a risk to the plasma supply in the US. Please visit our website for current information regarding the Coronavirus: https://ig-ns.org/igns-coronavirus-update/?mc_cid=1c1b740d04&mc_eid=87b6de0f09 |