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Remdesivir Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 13, 2024.

Applies to remdesivir: intravenous powder for solution, intravenous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine to make sure that it is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including infusion-related reactions and anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chill or shaking, dizziness, headache, hoarseness, increased sweating, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, itching or skin rash, lightheadedness, fainting, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Do not receive remdesivir together with chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

Serious side effects of remdesivir

Along with its needed effects, remdesivir may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking remdesivir:

More common side effects

  • back pain
  • chest tightness
  • chills
  • cough
  • dark-colored urine
  • difficulty swallowing
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • flushing
  • headache
  • hives, itching
  • light-colored stools
  • nausea and vomiting
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • stomach pain, continuing
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • yellow eyes or skin

Less common side effects

  • seizures
  • skin rash

Other side effects of remdesivir

Some side effects of remdesivir may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

For healthcare professionals

Applies to remdesivir: intravenous powder for injection, intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common side effects in patients with COVID-19 were nausea, increased AST, and increased ALT.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Sinus bradycardia generally normalized within 4 days after the last dose of this drug without additional intervention.

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Hematologic

In a clinical study of patients with COVID-19, the incidence of prolonged prothrombin time or INR (mostly less than 2 times the upper limit of normal [2 x ULN]) was higher with this drug compared to placebo; no difference was observed in the incidence of bleeding events between the 2 groups.

Hepatic

In studies in healthy subjects, increases in ALT, AST, or both in those who received this drug were 1.25 to 2.5 x ULN (10%) or 2.5 to 5 x ULN (4%). In clinical studies of patients with COVID-19, the incidence of increased transaminases was similar with this drug compared to placebo or standard of care.

Hypersensitivity

Local

Metabolic

Nervous system

Other

Renal

See also:

References

1. (2024) "Product Information. Veklury (remdesivir)." Gilead Sciences Ltd

2. (2024) "Product Information. Veklury (remdesivir)." Gilead Sciences, SUPPL-29

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remdesivir side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.