Veklury (Remdesivir) Antiviral Infusion Treatment

Clinical Terminology: What Are Phases In Clinical Research Temporary loss of smell, or Anosmia, is one of the primary and most common symptoms in people that contract COVID-19. The terms 'clinical trials' or 'clinical research' are used to reference...

Clinical Terminology: What Are Phases In Clinical Research

Temporary loss of smell, or Anosmia, is one of the primary and most common symptoms in people that contract COVID-19. The terms 'clinical trials' or 'clinical research' are used to reference studies performed on people in a clinical setting. They are an essential part of the drug development process, and are overseen by the FDA for assurance that they are conducted and reported in accordance with federal law and good clinical practice standards.

On January 21, 2022, Gilead Sciences announced that the FDA had granted expedited approval of a new drug application for Veklury ®, also known as remdesivir, to aid in the fight against COVID-19. Veklury ® is approved for adolescent and adult patients with COVID-19 who have a high risk of the virus progressing to severe COVID-19.

While Veklury® was previously used as an antiviral treatment for COVID-19, the FDA’s emergency approval expands its potential usage. Medical professionals may now administer Veklury® in an outpatient setting by administering daily IV infusions over three days. Patients younger than 12 years of age may also receive remdesivir injections if they’re at high risk for severe COVID-19.

The Reasoning Behind the Approval of Veklury® (Remdesivir) to Treat COVID-19

Due to the surge of the Omicron variant, new treatment options were necessary to effectively manage COVID-19 cases and decrease the likelihood of patients developing long-COVID and severe COVID-19.

Remdesivir injections have antiviral medication that prevents the COVID-19 virus from copying itself and spreading. Even as the virus evolved and will continue to evolve, Veklury® remains an effective COVID-19 management tool because its antiviral properties continue to accurately impede the virus’s replication processes.

Studies indicate that patients who received Veklury® infusions recovered five days faster than those who received a placebo. Recovery means that the patients were no longer hospitalized or were no longer receiving ongoing medical attention for their COVID-19 symptoms.

Patients with COVID-19 who received remdesivir infusions were 54 percent more likely to recover by day 15.

Since remdesivir is administered via an IV, it’s able to enter the body quickly so that it can start working without delay.

Note that Veklury® is not a vaccine and will not prevent you from contracting COVID-19.

What Side Effects Are Associated with Veklury® Infusions?

Potential side effects of Veklury® infusions include an allergic reaction to the antiviral medication or other ingredients in your infusion. Nausea is the most common side effect that patients are receiving Veklury® infusions experience.

Patients who receive Veklury® may have an increase in their liver enzymes; thus, Veklury® may not be appropriate for individuals with preexisting liver conditions. Your medical provider will monitor your liver health and enzyme levels to ensure that it’s healthy enough for you to continue to receive treatment.

How to Pursue Antiviral Infusions for Managing COVID-19

If you’re worried that you or someone you love are at risk of developing severe COVID-19 or of suffering from long-COVID, you may be a good candidate for Veklury® treatment.

Though more research is continuing to be done on the role of antiviral infusions for treating COVID-19 symptoms, these infusions show promise as viable options for decreasing persistent COVID-19 symptoms that continue to occur months after you first contract the virus. Remdesivir treatment can also help you maintain a higher quality of life as you recover from COVID-19.

Ready to learn more about using Veklury® to manage acute and long-term COVID? Contact Ascada Health today to get started.