Keeping your blood pressure under control is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic – so keep taking your blood pressure medicines! This is the latest advice about medicines on the NPS MedicineWise COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page which is regularly being updated with information for consumers as new evidence and advice emerges.

“Medicines that help lower blood pressure do not make COVID-19 more severe. The opposite is true,” says Dr Jill Thistlethwaite, GP and medical adviser at NPS MedicineWise.

“Having uncontrolled high blood pressure is a factor that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness, which is why it is so important to continue taking your blood pressure medicines.

“In fact, continuing to take all of your regular medicines as directed by your health professional is important to keep well and stay medicinewise during this pandemic,” she says. 

The NPS MedicineWise COVID-19 FAQ web page has updated information on medicines being investigated as treatments for COVID-19. This includes the malaria and arthritis medicine, hydroxychloroquine, as well as antivirals, such as remdesivir.

Right now, there are no antivirals approved to treat COVID-19 as explained in an article on the FAQ page about antiviral medicines and COVID-19. 

Being informed, understanding and following the latest advice are the best ways to protect you and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ask your GP, pharmacist or other health professional if you have questions about your medicines and COVID-19. 

If you have questions about your medicines you can also call Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) for the cost of a local call (calls from mobiles may cost more).