Remdesivir: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses

What is the drug remdesivir for?

Remdesivir, or GS-5734, is a new antiviral drug that belongs to the nucleotide analog class. This nucleotide analogue antiviral drug basically works by disrupting the genetic material belonging to the virus. That way, viral genetic replication can be inhibited.

This drug was developed by Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company based in the United States. This drug was originally used as a treatment option for Ebola, an epidemic that broke out in Africa some time ago.

Based on a study contained in the journal Nature, remdesivir has antiviral effects against various variants of the Ebola virus as well as several other types of RNA viruses, such as filovirus and arenavirus.

Remdesivir is also given as a drug to fight diseases caused by coronavirus infection, namely SARS and MERS. A study contained in Science Translational Medicine shows that this drug can inhibit the development of the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viruses in the body.

Currently, remdesivir is included in several drugs that are in the testing phase as a treatment for COVID-19, which became a global pandemic in March 2020. COVID-19 itself is caused by the latest type of corona virus, namely SARS-COV-2 or SARS type 2.

A research contained in a journal Cell Research describes how the drug remdesivir combined with the malaria drug chloroquine can control the viral infection that causes COVID-19.

How do you use the drug remdesivir?

Remdesivir is a drug that can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Follow the rules for using the drugs given by the doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Always read the instructions for using drugs before using this medicine.

This drug is an intravenous injection drug, meaning that it must be injected through a vein. Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.

If you have further questions about the rules for using remdesivir, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Remdesivir is best stored at room temperature. Keep this drug away from direct sunlight and damp places. Don't keep it in the shower or freeze it on freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush remdesivir down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment with remdesivir.

In what forms and dosage is this medicine available?

Currently, remdesivir is only available as an injection drug.

What is the dose of remdesivir for adults?

To date, the recommended dose of remdesivir for adults has not been established.

However, according to the DrugBank website, the estimated dosage taken from some clinical trials of this drug is 2 times a day for the treatment of coronavirus infections.

In addition, some clinical trials have given this drug as much as 200 mg daily on the first day. The dose the next day is 100 mg a day. Treatment is given for 9 days.

What is the dose of remdesivir for children?

The dose of remdesivir for children has not been established. For more information, you can consult a doctor first.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of taking remdesivir?

Like drugs in general, remdesivir may cause side effects in some people. The severity and symptoms of side effects may vary.

However, so far, there has not been sufficient research to prove the side effects of the drug remdesivir. There may be some side effects which are not mentioned here.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions and Warnings

What are the things you need to know before using remdesivir?

Before deciding to take remdesivir, you need to pay attention to several things. The following conditions must be considered:

Certain drugs and diseases

Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with remdesivir.

Drug interactions can make the risk of side effects increase or the performance of the drug to be ineffective / decreased.

Also inform the doctor about other diseases or health conditions that you are suffering from. It is possible that this drug can trigger interactions with certain diseases or health conditions.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug allergy, especially to remdesivir or any other ingredients in this medicine. In addition, get checked out if you have any other allergies, for example to certain foods, dyes, or animals.

Children

This drug has not been tested for safety in children. Before giving any treatment to children, first consult a doctor.

Is this drug safe for consumption by pregnant and lactating women?

To date, there are no studies or clinical trials that can confirm the safety of this drug for pregnant women and fetuses in the womb.

It is also not known whether this drug can be absorbed into breast milk (ASI) and taken by the baby or not.

The administration of this drug for pregnant and lactating women still requires further clinical trials. Ask your doctor about other possible alternatives if you are pregnant.

The doctor will consider the benefits it carries and the risks before starting treatment.

Drug Interactions

What drugs may interact with remdesivir?

Drug interactions can change the potency of the drug or increase the risk of side effects.

Keep a list of all medications, both prescription and nonprescription, and the herbal products you take. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions that exist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

So far, it is not known which drugs can cause interactions with remdesivir.

Are there foods or drinks that can interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Any other health problem in your body can affect how the drug remdesivir works.

Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or drug overdose, immediately contact the local emergency services (112 / ambulance) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The following are symptoms of a drug overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearing the schedule for taking the next medication, just ignore the missed dose.

Continue taking medication according to the original schedule. Do not double the dose in one drink.