Uses
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).
How To Use
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. For children, the dosage is based on weight.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Dizziness, slow/fast heartbeat, fever, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or shivering may occur during or after the infusion. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these effects occur. Your doctor will monitor you closely and may need to decrease the rate of infusion if these reactions occur.
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.
Precautions
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. The risks of breast-feeding while infected with COVID-19 and while using remdesivir should be discussed with the doctor.
Drug Interactions
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
Overdose
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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
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.
Missed Dose
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.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.
