VEKLURY is a prescription medicine used to treat COVID-19 in adults and children weighing at least 3 pounds who are hospitalized; or not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if VEKLURY may be an option for you.
In the United States, more than 3.1 million patients with COVID-19 have been treated with VEKLURY*
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with mild-to-moderate or severe COVID-19, your healthcare provider may recommend VEKLURY, an FDA-approved antiviral medication that helps treat patients with COVID-19. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads in the body by making copies of itself. VEKLURY interrupts the way the virus copies itself inside the body.
Answers to common questions about VEKLURY:
Who is it for?
VEKLURY is prescribed for adults, as well as children, who weigh at least 3 pounds, who are: hospitalized; or not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect in people receiving VEKLURY is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
How is it given?
VEKLURY is given by an intravenous (IV) infusion. The medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein. Your healthcare provider will decide how many doses of VEKLURY you will need.
What is the difference between an antiviral and a vaccine?
Antiviral medications, like VEKLURY, help your body fight viruses that cause disease. A vaccine is a type of medicine taken before infection to help prevent illness.
If you have any further questions about VEKLURY, please talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine if it may be an option for you.
*As of July 2020-January 2024
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not take VEKLURY?
Do not take VEKLURY if you:
- Are allergic to remdesivir or any of the other ingredients in VEKLURY.
What are the possible side effects of VEKLURY?
Serious side effects of VEKLURY may include:
- Allergic reactions. VEKLURY can cause allergic reactions during or after infusion. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms: changes to heart rate, rash, fever, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, or wheezing, or swelling of the lips, face, or throat.
- Increase in liver enzymes. Increases in the amount of liver enzymes are common in people who have received VEKLURY and may be a sign of liver injury. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment and may stop your treatment with VEKLURY if you develop new or worsening liver problems.
The most common side effect in people receiving VEKLURY is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving VEKLURY?
- All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any allergies, liver problems, or any serious illnesses.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: It is not known if VEKLURY may harm your unborn baby if taken during the first trimester. VEKLURY can pass into your breast milk. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your options and specific situation with your healthcare provider.
- All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how VEKLURY works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicines that contain chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine sulfate.
How is VEKLURY given?
- Hospitalized: VEKLURY is given to you through a vein by intravenous (IV) infusion one time each day for up to 10 days. Your healthcare provider will decide how many doses you need.
- Not hospitalized: VEKLURY is given to you through a vein by IV infusion one time each day for 3 days.
WHAT IS VEKLURY?
VEKLURY is a prescription medicine used to treat COVID-19 in adults and children weighing at least 3 pounds who are:
- Hospitalized, or
- Not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
Talk to a healthcare provider to see if VEKLURY may be an option for you.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-10881-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Patient Prescribing Information for VEKLURY.