Guidelines for use of Remdesivir in West Bengal
The West Bengal Government on 24th April 2021 released guidelines to promote the judicious use of Remdesivir.
The Government has advised that all COVID cases do not qualify for the use of Remdesivir, roughly 10-20% cases fulfill the required criteria. It must be used after shared decision on a case-to-case basis.
It has been mandated that no hospital/nursing home should provide prescription to patients for Remdesivir. It is the responsibility of the hospital to arrange it for their patient.
The drug is to be administered to patients with
a) confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT PCR/RAT/CB NAAT
b) Moderate diseaaase with SpO2 < 95% on room air with increasing demand for oxygen
c) Radiographic infiltrates by imaging like chest x-ray/CT scan.
It is to be administered within 5-10 days of onset of symptoms (not to be used later than 10 days from onset of symptoms.
Dosage of the medicine is (administered via injection) is 200mg IV OD on Day 1 followed by 100mg IV OD for total duration of 5 days.
It has been advised not to be administered in cases of
a) Hepatic Dysfunction: ALT/AST >5 times the upper limit of normal
b) eGFR<30 ml/min or Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT)
c) Pregnant or Breastfeeding women
