Overview
Remdesivir is the generic form of the brand-name drug Veklury. It’s used to treat adults and children 12 years old and older who have COVID-19 and require hospitalization.
This medicine should be given only to patients who weigh at least 40 kilograms (kg), which is about 88 pounds (lb).
Remdesivir is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or healthcare setting that can provide acute care similar to what you would receive at an inpatient hospital care center.
Remdesivir is in a class of drugs called antivirals, which are used to target viral infections.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 in October 2020. It’s the first therapy the agency has approved for COVID-19.
The FDA initially issued an emergency use authorization for remdesivir in May 2020.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. manufactures remdesivir.
uses
What is Remdesivir (Veklury) used for?
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Remdesivir (Veklury)?
You should not be treated with remdesivir if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of remdesivir on the baby.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Remdesivir (Veklury)
Side Effects
What Are the Side Effects of Remdesivir?
Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, which may include:
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
- Rash
- Fever
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Sweating
- Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
- Shivering
Some people who receive remdesivir experience an increase in liver enzymes. This could be a sign of liver injury. Your doctor will check for this change before and during treatment.
The most common side effect of remdesivir is nausea.
Pregnancy
Can I Take Remdesivir if I’m Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
It’s not known if remdesivir can harm an unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Remdesivir (Veklury)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to Take Remdesivir?
Remdesivir is given through a vein by an intravenous (IV) infusion once each day for up to 10 days.
Your healthcare provider will give you the infusion and decide how many doses you need.
You may need frequent tests to check your liver function while receiving remdesivir.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Remdesivir (Veklury)?
Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, you will be treated quickly if an overdose occurs.
What to Expect
In clinical trials, patients generally tolerated remdesivir well and reported lower rates of adverse events compared with a placebo.
Additional Dosage Information
The recommended dosage for adults and children age 12 years and older who weigh at least 88 lb is 200 milligrams (mg) of remdesivir on day 1, followed by once-daily maintenance doses of 100 mg starting on day 2.
Your doctor will determine how long you’ll need to take this medicine.
Secondary Uses
When the FDA approved remdesivir, the agency also issued a new, temporary emergency use authorization allowing the drug to be used to treat:
- Hospitalized children under age 12 who weigh at least 3.5 kg (about 8 lb)
- Hospitalized children weighing from 3.5 kg (8 lb) to less than 40 kg (88 lb) with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 for whom an IV agent is clinically appropriate