Remdesivir is used to treat coronavirus disease, also
known as COVID-19, for certain patients who are in the hospital. Remdesivir
is an antiviral drug.
Remdesivir may also be used to treat patients with
COVID-19 who are not in the hospital, but have a high risk for COVID-19
complications due to older age, obesity, or ongoing medical conditions
(such as lung, kidney, or heart disease, diabetes).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using remdesivir and each time you receive
an injection. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
once daily. It is given for 5 to 10 days for patients who are in the
hospital and for 3 days for patients who are not in the hospital. It is
infused over a period ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. A health care
professional will observe you during your infusion and for at least another
hour after your treatment in case you have serious side
effects.
The length of treatment depends on your medical
condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is based on
weight.
Infusion reactions may happen during or after the
infusion of this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms
of infusion reactions such as dizziness, slow/fast heartbeat, fever,
shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or shivering. Your doctor may slow
down your infusion.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
See also How to Use section.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using remdesivir, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- chloroquine
- hydroxychloroquine
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function, blood
mineral levels, complete blood count, a blood clotting test known as
prothrombin time) should be done before and during remdesivir treatment.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
and will not be stored at home.