With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been talking about new medicines and treatments, right? Among them, you may have heard the name 'Remdesivir'. Perhaps a friend of yours has been given this treatment. So, what exactly is Remdesivir? In what situations is it used? What results can we expect from it? Let's talk about it in detail, very simply.
What is this medicine called Remdesivir?
Simply put, Remdesivir is an antiviral drug . That is, a drug that helps fight viruses that enter our bodies and control their spread within the body.
But there's something very important that we all need to remember here. Remdesivir is a drug specifically used to treat COVID-19 . It is not used for the common cold, flu, or any other viral infection.
This medicine is not something you can buy at a pharmacy and use at home. Remdesivir is only given to patients who are receiving treatment in a hospital or clinic. It is also given by injection directly into a vein . This process is completely supervised by doctors and nursing staff. This medicine is available in the market under the brand name `Veklury`.
Remdesivir is a specific treatment for COVID-19. It is not suitable for other viral diseases.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before you or someone in your family starts treatment with Remdesivir, it is important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. You should especially tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease or are being treated for it.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease, such as cirrhosis, or another disease.
- Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to Remdesivir or any other medicine , food, food dyes, or preservatives in the past. For example, if you have had skin rashes, itching, or swelling after taking a certain medicine, you should tell your doctor.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting a baby in the near future.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also inform your doctor about this.
Based on this information, the medical team will decide whether or not to give you this medicine, and if so, how to give it.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Remdesivir. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and even dietary supplements.
In particular, the following medications should not be given with Remdesivir.
| Name of the drug | What to know |
|---|---|
| Chloroquine | This drug may reduce the effectiveness of Remdesivir. |
| Hydroxychloroquine | This drug can also interfere with the action of Remdesivir. |
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, in addition to telling your doctor about all the medications you are taking, it is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
Like any medicine, Remdesivir can cause side effects in some people. Since this medicine is given in a hospital, the medical staff will be constantly monitoring your condition. However, if you feel anything unusual, it is important to report it immediately.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor or nursing staff immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, redness, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Breathing problems | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, irregular heartbeat. |
| 🙂 Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, nausea. |
| Headache | General headache. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms in addition to these, please inform your medical team.
What happens if the dose of the medicine is increased?
Since this medicine is administered in a hospital under the close supervision of doctors and nurses, the chances of an overdose are very low. However, if there is any suspicion of such an overdose, the medical staff will take immediate action. If necessary, they will seek advice from the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or refer the patient to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Since the treatment takes place in a hospital, the staff will ensure that the medication is administered at the correct time. If for some reason you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, it is important to call the medical team as soon as possible and inform them. Taking the correct doses on time is essential for the success of the treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Remdesivir is a specific antiviral drug that is given only for COVID-19 . It is not given for the common cold or flu.
- This medicine is only given intravenously in a hospital. It is not a medicine that can be purchased at a pharmacy and taken home.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially kidney and liver disease) and all other medications you are already taking.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms (skin rash, facial swelling), difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat while taking the medicine, inform the medical staff immediately .
- If you have any further questions or doubts about this medication, remember that the best person to explain it is the doctor who is treating you.
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