Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - treatment

Administration

For intravenous infusion only.

Administration by intramuscular injection is prohibited.

Contraindications

Children under 12 years
Elevated serum transaminases - greater than 5 times upper limit of normal
Weight below 40kg
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Renal impairment - eGFR below 30ml/minute/1.73m sq

Precautions and Warnings

Hepatic impairment
Renal impairment

Discard any unused portion
Must be given as an intravenous infusion
Monitor hepatic function before treatment and regularly during treatment
Monitor renal function before treatment and regularly during treatment
Interrupt therapy/reduce infusion rate if infusion-related reactions occur
Discontinue if ALT level exceeds 5 times the upper limit of normal
Discontinue if ALT raised and signs of hepatotoxicity
Discontinue if severe hypersensitivity reactions occur
Advise patient not to take St John's wort concurrently
Female: Ensure adequate contraception during treatment

Remdesivir contains betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium which is cleared renally and accumulates in patients with impaired renal function, which may affect renal function. Remdesivir should not be used in patients with eGFR less than 30ml/min.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Remdesivir is contraindicated during pregnancy.

The manufacturer states that remdesivir should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires it. Animal studies are insufficient to determine reproductive toxicity. There are no or limited amount of human data and as such a potential risk cannot be ruled out.

Lactation

Remdesivir is contraindicated during breastfeeding.

The manufacturer states that a decision to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue remdesivir therapy must be made, due to the potential for viral transmission to the infant. It is unknown whether remdesivir is excreted in human milk, or the effects on the breast-fed infant or on milk production and as such a potential risk cannot be ruled out. Animal data reports detection of a nucleoside analogue metabolite in the blood of nursing animals of mothers given remdesivir.

Side Effects

Angioedema
Bradycardia
Diaphoresis
Dyspnoea
Fever
Headache
Hypersensitivity reactions
Hypertension
Hypotension
Hypoxia
Increase of liver transaminases
Infusion related reaction
Nausea
Rash
Shivering
Sinus bradycardia
Tachycardia
Vomiting
Wheezing

Presentation

Infusions of remdesivir.

Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - treatment

Dosage

Adults

Children

Administration

For intravenous infusion only.

Administration by intramuscular injection is prohibited.

Contraindications

Children under 12 years
Elevated serum transaminases - greater than 5 times upper limit of normal
Weight below 40kg
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Renal impairment - eGFR below 30ml/minute/1.73m sq

Precautions and Warnings

Hepatic impairment
Renal impairment

Discard any unused portion
Must be given as an intravenous infusion
Monitor hepatic function before treatment and regularly during treatment
Monitor renal function before treatment and regularly during treatment
Interrupt therapy/reduce infusion rate if infusion-related reactions occur
Discontinue if ALT level exceeds 5 times the upper limit of normal
Discontinue if ALT raised and signs of hepatotoxicity
Discontinue if severe hypersensitivity reactions occur
Advise patient not to take St John's wort concurrently
Female: Ensure adequate contraception during treatment

Remdesivir contains betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium which is cleared renally and accumulates in patients with impaired renal function, which may affect renal function. Remdesivir should not be used in patients with eGFR less than 30ml/min.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Remdesivir is contraindicated during pregnancy.

The manufacturer states that remdesivir should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires it. Animal studies are insufficient to determine reproductive toxicity. There are no or limited amount of human data and as such a potential risk cannot be ruled out.

Lactation

Remdesivir is contraindicated during breastfeeding.

The manufacturer states that a decision to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue remdesivir therapy must be made, due to the potential for viral transmission to the infant. It is unknown whether remdesivir is excreted in human milk, or the effects on the breast-fed infant or on milk production and as such a potential risk cannot be ruled out. Animal data reports detection of a nucleoside analogue metabolite in the blood of nursing animals of mothers given remdesivir.

Side Effects

Angioedema
Bradycardia
Diaphoresis
Dyspnoea
Fever
Headache
Hypersensitivity reactions
Hypertension
Hypotension
Hypoxia
Increase of liver transaminases
Infusion related reaction
Nausea
Rash
Shivering
Sinus bradycardia
Tachycardia
Vomiting
Wheezing

Overdosage

It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.

The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111

Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).

Further Information

Last Full Review Date: July 2021

Reference Sources

NICE Evidence Services Available at: www.nice.org.uk Last accessed: 22 July 2021

Summary of Product Characteristics: Veklury 100 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion. Gilead Sciences Ltd. Revised October 2022.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Veklury 100 mg concentrate for solution for infusion. Gilead Sciences Ltd. Revised January 2021.