CLEVELAND — Dr. B's telehealth service launched Wednesday in 41 states, including Ohio.
It's a low or no-cost service for those who need a prescription for Paxlovid or molnupiravir (Lagevrio), the two at-home oral COVID-19 antivirals that received emergency authorization for use by the FDA.
Paxlovid, Pfizer's COVID antiviral drug, is currently for those with mild to moderate illness but at high risk for more severe disease. The medication must be taken within five days of symptom onset.
But sometimes it's not easy to see your doctor or pharmacist in time to get a prescription. That's when Dr. B may be able to help.
"We really want to make sure that every American, regardless of their ability to pay, can get access in a very efficient, safe, and cost-effective manner to these lifesaving drugs," Dr. B CEO and founder Cyrus Massoumi said.
Dr. B is a fast and easy website where patients can get the prescription from a board-certified physician who reviews the patient's medical record within hours.
"You provide them with a health assessment that they fill out, upload a picture of their positive COVID test, and within three hours, we have a physician review their health assessment," Massoumi explained. "If they're a candidate for the antiviral, they will prescribe it."
Dr. B sends prescriptions to any pharmacy of the patient's choice for in-person pickup or online delivery. The cost for the service? $15, or free for those who qualify for financial assistance.
The antiviral medication is currently being paid for by the federal government and insurance carriers. While COVID antivirals are the first prescriptions, Dr. B says it won't be the last, with plans to soon offer Visitless Prescriptions for a wide range of everyday medications from heart health to dermatology and reproductive care.