Remdesivir
Information about Remdesivir
Remdesivir uses
Remdesivir is used in the treatment of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
How remdesivir works
Remdesivir is a broad-spectrum antiviral medicine. It works by inhibiting an RNA dependent enzyme called RNA polymerase that helps the SARS-CoV-2 virus make more copies of itself. By doing so, it decreases viral load in the body.
Common side effects of remdesivir
Headache, Rash, Extravasation, Increased prothrombin time, Increased transaminase level in blood, Infusion site reaction, Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, Hypersensitivity, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Seizure
Available Medicine for Remdesivir
Expert advice for Remdesivir
- Remdesivir is used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 infection) in hospitalized adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg).
- Renal and liver function of the patient (with kidney and liver problem respectively) should be monitored before and during treatment with Remdesivir.
- The doctor should be informed about all other prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you are taking. Remdesivir may interact with other medicines.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- After completing the treatment with Remdesivir and stay at the hospital, maintain a healthy lifestyle at home in order to recover quickly.
- COVID 19 can be life-threatening but can be prevented by taking vaccination, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing wherever possible.
Frequently asked questions for Remdesivir
Remdesivir
Q. What is Covid-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019, better known as Covid-19, is an illness of the lungs caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2), which is seen to infect humans for the very first time. Covid-19 is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads from one person to another at a very fast pace. Persons suffering from Covid-19 are likely to have breathing difficulties, fever and cough as the major symptoms.
Q. What is Remdesivir? What is it used for?
Remdesivir is a medicine that belongs to a class of medicines called antiviral medicines. In recent laboratory studies, Remdesivir has shown to be effective in managing hospitalized patients suffering from severe Covid-19 infection. Although Remdesivir has not been approved for treating Covid-19 patients, some studies suggest that patients who were treated with Remdesivir showed faster recovery compared to those who were taking some other treatment. However, the safety and efficiency of Remdesivir in the treatment of Covid-19 is yet to be established and there are many clinical trials going on for the same.
Q. What is Emergency Use Authorization?
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) is a declaration issued by the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDA) to use certain medicines, vaccines or devices to diagnose, treat or prevent a serious medical condition (such as Covid-19 in the current scenario) in case there is an outbreak of such an illness that poses threat to public health. FDA may not approve the use of any such medical measures but may still allow it to be used against the illness weighing the benefits against the risks involved.