Remdesivir not a life-saving injection: Top doctor from Maha Covid-19 Task Force

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The Covid-19 virus was introduced to humans about a year ago and its second wave that hit the country in March brought a whirlwind of misinformation, fear and anxiety as by-products. It forced people to take too many precautions, some effective while some entirely unnecessary.

Amid this chaotic atmosphere, one needs to understand that dissemination of credible information is as important at the moment as is medical supervision for the infected patients. There is a lot of noise around Remdesivir injection but when is the right time to use one? Do all Covid-19 infected patients require this? Can it be harmful?

“Remdesivir is an experimental, investigational medicine that received emergency authorisation by the central government due to the ongoing pandemic. It isn’t a life-saving injection. It has a major role, however, in clinical recovery of the patient. It boosts the overall recovery process and saves you 3-4 days of extra hospitalisation,” Dr Shashank Joshi, member of Maharashtra Covid-19 Task Force, told Money9.

Several top doctors in the country have repeatedly advised not to take Remdesivir as a precautionary medicine at home. It should only be given to hospitalised patients under strict medical supervision.

Joshi clarified that Covid-19 virus multiplies in the first 9 days of catching infection. Hence Remdesivir, if prescribed, must be given during the initial 4-5 days for desired effect.

“If 10 days have already passed, there is no point of giving this injection. Don’t run around for the medicine thinking it will save the patient’s life. At this point, doctors will prescribe other medicines for the patient which can still be easily procured from the markets,” he asserted.

Once you test positive for the virus, immediately consult a doctor to understand whether you need hospitalisation or symptoms are mild enough to be treated at home itself. Don’t assume anything beforehand, ask for medical help and never overdo things out of plain fear, Joshi said.