Remdesivir: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Remdesivir is an antiviral medication used to treat certain types of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available in hospitals for COVID-19 treatment.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Remdesivir FAQ


Image credit: pennmedicine.org

How does remdesivir work?

Remdesivir works by stopping the virus that causes COVID-19 multiplying in the body. If you have mild COVID-19 and are at risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, remdesivir may prevent you getting sicker and requiring hospitalisation. If you have moderate to severe COVID-19, remdesivir may help you get better sooner and reduce your risk of dying.

What does remdesivir stand for?

Remdesivir is the international nonproprietary name (INN) while the development code name was GS-5734. Remdesivir was originally created and developed by Gilead Sciences in 2009, to treat hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

What are the side effects of remdesivir?

Remdesivir is a prodrug that is intended to allow intracellular delivery of GS-441524 monophosphate and subsequent biotransformation into GS-441524 triphosphate, a ribo nucleotide analogue inhibitor of viral RNA polymerase. The most common side effect in healthy volunteers is raised blood levels of liver enzymes.

How much does remdesivir cost?

In June 2020, Gilead announced that it had set the price of remdesivir at US$390 per vial for the governments of developed countries, including the United States, and US$520 for US private health insurance companies. The expected course of treatment is six vials over five days for a total cost of US$2,340.

When should remdesivir be used?

Use of remdesivir for patients who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 must be in accordance with the ACI Guidance for the use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies and antiviral agents as prophylaxis or to prevent severe infection from COVID-19 in NSW.

Who should take remdesivir?

Remdesivir is a prodrug that undergoes intracellular conversion to an active analogue of adenosine triphosphate to inhibit viral RNA polymerase. adults and paediatric patients (weighing at least 40 kg) who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.

Remdesivir References

If you want to know more about Remdesivir, consider exploring links below:

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