What is Remdesivir
Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug. Its the first medicine to get approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It helps to fight with SARS-CoV 2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Preliminary data has shown that patient with advance COVID-19 and lung problems recover faster after receiving Remdesivir.
What was Remdesivir used for in the past?
Before the approval of FDA and emergency use authorization, Remdesivir was considered as an investigational drug. It was not used for the treatment of any specific conditions, but the medicine was used for the potential treatment of various diseases.
At first, This was used for the treatment of Hepatitis. Later in 2014, it was studied as the possible treatment of Ebola Virus. Researchers have found that this is effective against
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) but the research was conducted in test tubes and on animals, not in humans.
How is Remdesivir used to fight COVID-19?
Remdesivir was not approved by the FDA for treating a certain condition. Looking at the present scenarios the FDA had issued an emergency to use Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19. At the beginning of May, the Doctors were able to give this to patients who were admitted with severe COVID-19.
After evaluating the data Remdesivir had expanded its emergency use of authorization. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were given Remdesivir. In October FDA changed the status of Remdesivir from emergency use to an FDA- approved drug.
Remdesivir Side effects:
Some of the common side effects of remdesivir are:
- Yellow eyes
- Dark Urine
- Pain in the upper stomach
Some of the serious adverse effects of remdesivir are:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Soreness
- Swelling near the place where Remdesivir is injected
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Remdesivir if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it. A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Remdesivir side effects.
Precautions:
- Before taking Remdesivir talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to any kind of medications. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking any kind of prescribe or none to prescribe medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements and any kind of herbal products.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re having liver or kidney disease.
- Before taking tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
How to take Remdesivir?
- Remdesivir comes in the form solution (liquid) and powder to be mixed with the liquid and infused into the vein by a doctor or nurse in the hospitals. It is given once in a day for 5 to 10 days. The treatment length depends on how long does your body takes to respond to the medications.
- The drug helps in preventing from producing a particular enzyme that is necessary for the virus for replicating itself. Once this is done the virus will no longer be able to spread within the body.
- Some research has shown that patients who have moderate COVID-19 receive Remdesivir and their symptoms improve very quickly. The drug has also helped in shortening the stay of patients in the hospital.
Missed Dose:
Missing one or two-dose of Remdesivir won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose:
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Remdesivir tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warning for Serious Health Conditions:
Pregnancy
Research has shown that Remdesivir medications are safe during pregnancy but pregnant women have largely been excluded from the clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment options.
Breastfeeding
Remdesivir is given through injection, so infants will not likely absorb clinically important amounts of drug from milk.
Storage:
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Remdesivir to consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get anyside effects after taking Remdesivir rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Remdesivir.
Recommended Dosage & Dosage in Pediatric Patients
Body Weight |
Loading Dose (Day 1) |
Maintenance Dose (Day 2) |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 kg – less than 40 kg . | 5 mg/kg | 2.5 mg/kg |
| 40 kg and higher | 200 mg | 100 mg |
