Safety and sagacious use of remdesivir: Paramount focus on contemporary perspectives

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely impacted the viability on the earth. Its pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has manifested catastrophic effect on the world's demographics and emerged as the most epizootic agent for human beings. Even though considerable progress in research has led to a better understanding of the virus, there is no specific and potent treatment or cure has been proven effective for this disease. Based on the available scientific evidences, U. S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for the emergency use of remdesivir against SARS-CoV-2 virus in critical and hospitalized patients. Remdesivir is a prodrug form of a nucleoside analog GS-441524. It is given intravenously because of its poor absorption through oral route. Remdesivir acts against viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase targeting viral genome replication. It has been used in many countries as an emergency drug for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. However, in order to substantiate the result through suitable statistics, large-scale clinical trials are required. As per existing studies, the most common adverse effects reported after intravenous administration of remdesivir are elevation in the level of aminotransferase enzymes and bilirubin. Renal impairment, hypotension, and diarrhea have also been revealed in few patients. As of now, there is limited trial data available on remdesivir, so irrevocable epilogues cannot be drawn. However, it is believed by many therapists that irrational use of remdesivir should be prohibited. The erroneous use of remdesivir can lead to the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutating, and its consequence may be ill-starred in future.