Remdesivir is an antiviral medicine that works by stopping the virus that causes COVID-19 from growing and spreading in the body.
It's used to treat early COVID-19 infection and help to prevent more severe symptoms.
You will be given remdesivir through a drip, usually in your arm (infusion).
You'll need to have the treatment as soon as possible after you have tested positive for COVID-19 and within 7 days of your symptoms starting.
You'll be given remdesivir in a hospital or at a local centre.
You will only be eligible to have the medicine if you are in the highest risk group.
If you test positive for COVID-19, and are eligible, call your GP surgery, NHS 111 or your hospital specialist as soon as possible. This is so they can consider referring you for an assessment for COVID-19 treatment.
Key facts
- You will have remdesivir treatment once a day for 3 days in a hospital or at a local centre. Even if you start to feel better, it's important that you complete the course.
- It's important that you start treatment within 7 days of getting COVID-19 symptoms.
- Your treatment will be given through a drip in your arm (infusion) – it can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
- Remdesivir starts working very soon after having it.
- Common side effects of remdesivir include headaches and feeling sick.