Remdesivir: Uses, Ingredients and Side Effects

Remdesivir is an antiviral medication used primarily for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalised patients. It works by blocking the replication of the virus in the body, helping to reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Given by Remdesivir injection, usually in a hospital setting,

it is prescribed for patients with low oxygen levels or those requiring breathing support. The cost of Remdesivir can vary depending on the manufacturer and hospital charges. Always use it under medical supervision.

What Is Remdesivir?

Remdesivir is an antiviral drug. It's the first medicine to get approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It helps fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Preliminary data have shown that patients with advanced COVID-19 and lung problems recover faster after receiving Remdesivir.

Remdesivir Uses

• Before the approval of the FDA and emergency use authorisation, Remdesivir was considered 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 a possible treatment for the 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 Does Remdesivir Work?

Remdesivir works by interfering with the virus's ability to make copies of itself. It targets an enzyme called RNA polymerase, which the virus uses to reproduce. By blocking this enzyme, Remdesivir helps to slow down or stop the spread of the virus in the body. This gives the immune system more time to fight the infection and may reduce the severity and length of illness, especially in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Remdesivir Dosage

• Remdesivir Dose: Remdesivir comes in the form of a solution (liquid) and powder to be mixed with the liquid and infused into the vein by a doctor or nurse in the hospital. It is given once a day for 5 to 10 days. The treatment length depends on how long your body takes to respond to the medications.
• The drug helps in preventing the production of a particular enzyme that is necessary for the virus to replicate 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 doses of Remdesivir Injection 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 a dose.

Overdose:

An 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. An overdose of a medicine can lead to a medical emergency.

Remdesivir Side Effects:

Remdesivir is an antiviral medication used primarily to treat COVID-19 in hospitalised patients. It works by inhibiting viral replication.

Some of the common side effects of remdesivir are:

• Yellow eyes
• Dark Urine
• Pain in the upper stomach
• Nausea
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Soreness
• Swelling near the place where Remdesivir is injected.

Precautions

• Before taking Remdesivir, talk to your doctor if you're allergic to any medication.
• Talk to your doctor if you're taking any prescription or non-prescription 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 to become pregnant.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)

Remdesivir may interact with other medications, especially those that affect liver enzymes. Using it alongside drugs like chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may reduce its effectiveness. It's important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking before starting Remdesivir.

How Should Remdesivir Be Stored?

Remdesivir should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) before use. Once prepared, the diluted solution should be used immediately or stored as per the manufacturers instructions.

What Happens If Remdesivir Is Not Stored Properly?

If Remdesivir is not stored at the correct temperature, its effectiveness may decrease, and it could become unsafe for use. Always follow proper storage guidelines to maintain the quality and safety of the medicine.

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