Who can and cannot have remdesivir

Who can have remdesivir

Remdesivir can be given to most adults, and children who weigh at least 40kg.

You may be eligible for remdesivir if all these apply:

• you're in a highest risk group below
• you've tested positive for COVID-19 – find out who can get a free COVID-19 lateral flow test
• you've had COVID-19 symptoms within the last 7 days

You may be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you have:

• Down's syndrome, or another chromosomal condition that affects your immune system
• certain types of cancer, or had treatment for certain types of cancer
• sickle cell disease
• certain conditions affecting your blood
• chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5
• severe liver disease
• had an organ transplant
• certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
• HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune system
• a condition affecting your immune system
• a condition affecting the brain or nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease or certain types of dementia
• certain lung conditions or treatments for lung conditions

This list is a summary and does not cover everything.

If you're unsure if you are eligible, speak to your GP or hospital specialist who can advise you.

Find out more about people at the highest risk who are eligible for COVID-19 treatment on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website.

Who may not be able to have remdesivir

Remdesivir is not suitable for some people. Before you have this medicine, tell your doctor if you:

• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicine
• have problems with your kidneys
• have problems with your liver
• are immunosuppressed