6 Must know facts of the latest COVID19 drug

Described as an investigational antiviral medicine, Remdesivir recently received the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by US FDA for emergency use in the treatment of hospitalized 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. Here are few important facts about it :

1. Remdesivir is available as a lyophilized powder and concentrated solution.

2. In a clinical trial, it has shown to shorten the recovery period in some people. Hence, the FDA has authorized the emergency use for the treatment of severe COVID-19 cases.

3. The recommended dose for adults and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg

and higher is a single loading dose of 200 mg on Day 1 followed by once daily maintenance doses of 100 mg from Day 2.

4. Possible side effects of remdesivir include: increased levels of liver enzymes, which may be a sign of inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. 

5. The patient or parent/caregiver has the option to accept or refuse Remdesivir. 

6. There is limited information known about the safety and effectiveness of using Remdesivir.

Patients & Caregivers are strictly adviced to use the fact sheet while using this drug, issued by FDA.

Source: FDA News release