Remdesivir

Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that can be used to treat COVID - 19 infection . This drug is only recommended for patients with severe symptoms of COVID-19 who need to be hospitalized or patients with mild-moderate symptoms who are at high risk of experiencing worsening of symptoms .

Remdesivir is an antiviral that works by stopping the development of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection ( COVID-19 ) in the body. This drug is known to speed up healing time and reduce the risk of damage to the respiratory tract due to COVID-19 infection.

Remdesivir trademarks: Cipremi, Covifor, Desrem, Jubi-R, Remdac, Remeva, Remidia

What is Remdesivir

Warning Before Using Remdesivir

Note the following points before using remdesivir:

• Do not use remdesivir if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
• Tell your doctor that you are having regular dialysis before taking remdesivir.
• Consult your doctor about using remdesivir if you have or currently have kidney or liver disease .
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to prevent drug interactions.
• Consult your doctor about using remdesivir if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction after using this drug

Dosage and Rules for Use of Remdesivir

The following are common doses of remdesivir by injection into a vein or infusion based on age and purpose of treatment:

Purpose: Treat patients with confirmed COVID-19 with severe symptoms

Adults and children aged ≥28 days with body weight (BB) ≥40 kg

• First day dose: 200 mg per day.
• Second day onwards: 100 mg per day.

Children aged ≥28 days with a weight of 3 – 40 kg

• First day dose: 5 mg/kgBB.
• Second day dose: 2.5 mg/kgBB

The duration of treatment for patients who do not require a ventilator is 5 days. However, treatment can be continued for up to 10 days if the patient's condition does not improve. The duration of treatment for patients requiring a ventilator is 10 days.

Purpose: Treatment of COVID-19 positive patients who do not need to be hospitalized, but are at high risk of worsening

Adults and children aged ≥28 days and weight ≥40 kg

• First day dose : 200 mg.
• Second and third day dose : 100 mg.

Children aged ≥28 days with a weight of 3–40 kg

• First day dose: 5 mg/kgBB
• Second and third day dose: 2.5 mg/kgBB.

The dose is given immediately after the patient is diagnosed with COVID-19 or given within 7 days after the symptoms of COVID-19 appear.

How to Use Remdesivir Properly

Remdesivir is given by injection into a vein (intravenously/IV) or by infusion by a doctor or medical officer on the doctor's instructions. This injection or infusion will be given over 30–120 minutes.

Remdesivir Interactions with Other Drugs

interactions that can occur if remdesivir is used with certain drugs include:

• Decreased effectiveness of remdesivir when used with chloroquine or hydrochloroquine
• Increased risk of bleeding when used with warfarin
• Increased risk of liver damage when used with pyrazinamide , methotrexate, ACE inhibitor class drugs, or statin class drugs, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin

Remdesivir Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may occur during or after administration of remdesivir infusion are:

• Pain, bruising, swelling, or bleeding at the infusion area
• Dizzy
• Heart beating fast ( tachycardia ) or slow ( bradycardia )
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• shivers
• Hard to breathe

Tell your doctor immediately if these side effects occur, so the doctor can reduce the speed at which remdesivir is given.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, which is characterized by a skin rash, itching, feeling very dizzy, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

You should also call your doctor if you experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Yellow eyes and skin ( jaundice )
• Dark urine
• Pain in the upper right abdomen