Remdesivir
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Remdesivir in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
(rem-des-ih-veer)
Description:
This medicine is used to fight viruses.
Other Names for this Medication:
- Veklury
Common Dosage Forms:
- For animals:
- an injectable form.
- For humans:
- none.
This handout does not include every piece of information that exists about this medicine. It is meant to answer common questions, but it does not replace medical guidance. If you still have questions or need additional details about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or your pharmacist.
Key Information for Remdesivir
- This medicine is used to treat feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
- This medicine is given by an injection under the skin.
- Giving the injection may hurt or cause discomfort.
- Watch your cat closely while they are receiving this medicine. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
How is this medication useful?
Remdesivir is a medicine that works against viruses and is used to treat feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved this medicine for people, but it is not officially approved for animals. In some situations, the FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe medicines that contain this drug for different species or for different health problems. You and your veterinarian can talk about why this option is the best choice.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many different factors can change how well this medicine works for your cat. Talk with your veterinarian about the items below so you can make the best choices together.
- Make sure your veterinarian and pharmacist know about every product your cat receives, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal products. Also share how much you give and when you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your cat has now, or has had before.
- If your cat has been treated before for the same illness or problem, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your cat is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this medicine.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any side effects your cat has had from medicines in the past. This includes:
- allergic reactions,
- not wanting to eat,
- loose stool (diarrhea),
- itching, or
- hair loss.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
Most cats show a strong improvement in signs within about 1 to 2 weeks. This medicine does not last long in the body, which means it stops working within about 24 hours.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any special reasons to be cautious with this medicine for your cat.
This medication SHOULD NOT be used in cats that:
- Are allergic to this medicine or to a related medicine called GS-441524
What are the side effects of this medication?
Watch your cat carefully, and contact your veterinarian if you see any changes that you did not expect.
- The injection may cause pain or discomfort.
- The area where the injection is given may react, such as becoming red or swollen.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
If you see, or think you may have seen, an overdose, contact your veterinarian right away or call an animal poison control center for guidance.
How should this medication be given?
For this medicine to be effective, it must be given exactly the way your veterinarian instructed.
- Give the injection under the skin, following your veterinarian’s directions.
- Right after giving the injection, put used needles and syringes straight into a sharps container. Do not put the cap back on the needle and do not separate the needle from the syringe.
- This medicine may need to be given for up to 12 weeks.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as you remember. After that, go back to the usual schedule. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep this medicine in the refrigerator.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
- If you accidentally stick yourself with a needle, it can cause pain and infection. If you have a needlestick injury, contact your doctor.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not pour this medicine into a sink and do not flush it in a toilet.
- If your community has a medicine “take-back” program, use that.
- If there is no take-back option:
- combine the medicine with coffee grounds or cat litter.
- Put that mixture into a sealable plastic bag so it will not leak, and throw the bag into your regular trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- Some animal competitions may not allow the use of this medicine. Before entering your animal in a competition while this medicine is being given, check the rules.
- If your cat gets worse or does not start improving during the first 1 to 2 weeks, contact your veterinarian.
- If you have any other questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”