Remdesivir
About
Remdesivir belongs to a group of anti-viral medicines called SARS-CoV-2 nucleotide analogue RNA polymerase inhibitor used to treat coronavirus disease requiring hospitalisation. Coronavirus disease, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2), is an infectious disease caused by the corona virus.
Remdesivir contains ‘Remdesivir, which binds to the viral-RNA dependant RNA polymerase enzyme, an enzyme that helps the coronavirus to replicate itself. This inhibits viral replication by premature termination of RNA transcription. Thereby, Remdesivir lowers the virus load in the body and helps treat the infection.
Remdesivir will be administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or a healthcare setting capable of providing in-patient hospital care. In some cases, you may experience certain side effects such as nausea, increased transaminase levels, and increased prothrombin time. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Transaminase levels should be monitored before and during the treatment with Remdesivir. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Remdesivir
Medicinal Benefits
Remdesivir belongs to a group of anti-viral medicines called SARS-CoV-2 nucleotide analogue RNA polymerase inhibitor. Remdesivir is used to treat corona virus disease requiring hospitalisation. Remdesivir binds to the viral-RNA-dependant RNA polymerase enzyme, an enzyme that helps the corona virus to replicate itself. This inhibits viral replication by premature termination of RNA transcription. Thereby, Remdesivir lowers virus load in the body and helps treat the infection.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Remdesivir
- Nausea
- Increased transaminase levels
- Increased prothrombin time
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Remdesivir if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking Remdesivir if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Remdesivir is indicated for use only in patients above 12 years, weighing at least 40kg. Transaminase levels should be monitored before and during the treatment with Remdesivir. Treatment with Remdesivir should be discontinued if the ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) levels are greater than ten times the upper limit of normal. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side effects/interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Remdesivir may interact with antimalarials (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine)
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are at an increased risk of transaminase elevations and infusion-related reactions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Remdesivir interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is insufficient data regarding the safety of Remdesivir during pregnancy. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is insufficient data regarding the passage of Remdesivir into breastmilk. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown if Remdesivir affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionThe effectiveness of Remdesivir in patients with liver impairment have not been evaluated. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionThe effectiveness of Remdesivir in patients with kidney impairment have not been evaluated. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Remdesivir in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Always remember to wear a mask when you are around other people. Wearing a mask helps in preventing the spread of infection.
- Maintain social distance and avoid gatherings.
- Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Stay well hydrated.
- Saltwater gargling and steam inhalation would be helpful.
- Exercise regularly. Try walking for 10 minutes in the morning, afternoon, evening and night.
- Consume protein-rich foods.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of transaminase levels, liver and kidney function before and during the treatment is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
COVID-19: Corona virus disease, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) is an infectious disease caused by the corona virus. Corona virus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the surface of the pathogen. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person’s cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of corona virus disease are dry cough, breathlessness, shortness of breath, tiredness, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, body pains, headache and sore throat.
FAQs
Remdesivir binds to the RNA polymerase enzyme, an enzyme that helps the coronavirus to replicate itself. This inhibits viral replication by premature termination of RNA transcription. Thereby, Remdesivir lowers the virus load in the body and helps treat the infection.
Remdesivir should not be taken along with chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulphate as it might cause reduced anti-viral activity of Remdesivir. Co-administration of these drugs is not recommended.
No, Remdesivir is not indicated for the prevention of coronavirus disease. Remdesivir has been approved by DCGI (Drug Control General of India) for emergency use only in patients who are COVID-positive.
Regularly clean your hands thoroughly using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth without washing your hands. Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. Always remember to wear a mask, maintain social distance and avoid gatherings.
Covid-19 spreads through respiratory droplets when in close or direct contact with an infected person. The virus can spread through an infected person’s sneeze or cough. The virus can also be transmitted by touching any contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes without washing the hands.
