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Overview: Veklury is used to treat COVID-19. It works by stopping the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself. Common side effects include nausea and an increase in your liver enzymes. Your health care provider may do blood tests before and while using Veklury to check how well your liver is working. Veklury is given at a hospital or clinic.

Uses

What is Veklury used for?

Veklury (remdesivir) is used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

Veklury may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Veklury work (mechanism of action)?

Veklury works to stop the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself. 

How is Veklury supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Veklury

Dosage forms and strengths

Veklury is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Veklury?

Veklury is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Veklury?

The most common side effects of Veklury are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Increase in liver enzymes (see below)

There may be other side effects of Veklury that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Veklury?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Veklury are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Veklury may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. These reactions are most likely when you get this medicine or within an hour afterward. Tell your health care provider right away or get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Increase In Liver Enzymes. Veklury commonly causes an increase in liver enzymes, which may be a sign of injury to your liver. Your health care provider may do blood tests to check your liver enzymes before and while using Veklury to check for liver problems. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Veklury?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Veklury.

  • Veklury
  • Remdesivir
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Veklury.

What should I know about Veklury before using it?

Veklury is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Veklury?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Veklury is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Veklury may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Veklury, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have liver problems. Using Veklury may worsen this.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Veklury could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby during the first trimester. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Veklury while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Veklury, you can sign up for the COVID-19 International Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 800-616-3791 or at https://covid-pr.pregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of COVID-19 medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Veklury passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Veklury while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Veklury?

For more information about Veklury, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.veklury.com or call them at 800-445-3235.

Interactions

Does Veklury interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Veklury and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Veklury, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections. The risk of liver problems may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Veklury.

Does Veklury interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Veklury.

  • Chloroquine, which is a medicine used for malaria and other conditions
  • Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, Sovuna), which is a medicine used for malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Veklury. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Veklury?

If you or someone else has used too much Veklury, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Veklury?

If you are receiving Veklury in the hospital, your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Veklury as scheduled.

If you are receiving Veklury in a clinic and you miss an appointment to get your dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.