Remdesivir

From September 2022, more people can get antiviral medicines to treat COVID infection. If you have symptoms that started within the last 7 days, AND have tested positive for COVID-19 or are a household contact of a person with COVID -19 AND at are at high risk of severe infection, you may be eligible for treatment with remdesivir. Read more about who should have antivirals for COVID-19 infection.

If you're not sure if you qualify for antivirals, talk to your GP or pharmacist about COVID-19 antiviral medicines as soon as possible. They will advise on whether or not remdesivir is suitable for you.

Remdesivir is given ONCE a day, usually for 3 days. It is given by a slow injection into your vein (called an intravenous infusion), over 30–120 minutes. 

Before you are given remdesivir, tell your doctor if you:

• have liver or kidney problems
• have any other conditions including diabetes, heart problems, high or low blood pressure, blood disorders, epilepsy or seizures (fits)
• have had previous allergic reactions to any medicine including over-the-counter and complementary medicines, eg, vitamins, minerals, herbal or naturopathic medicines that you are taking or have recently taken
• think you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

As remdesivir is a new medicine, it is possible that we do not know all of the side effects yet. However, many people in clinical trials, as well as those abroad and in Aotearoa New Zealand, have been treated with remdesivir for COVID-19.

Common side effects

These are usually mild and go away with time or when the medicine is stopped. Tell your doctor if these side effects cause you problems or don’t go away:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• headache.

Rare, serious side effects

Contact your healthcare team or Healthline on 0800 611 116 immediately if you notice these side effects and tell them you are
taking remdesivir:

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as a skin rash, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue.
• Signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin, dark pee, or pain or discomfort in the upper stomach area.

Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product(external link)