Remdesivir used ‘sparingly’ amid concerns over supply

Leading hospitals in the country are giving remdesivir to patients “sparingly” due to a shortage of the antiviral injection used for treating Covid-19 even as some pharmacists red-flagged use of the ‘investigational drug’ at home settings.

Three leading private hospitals in Delhi confirmed to ET that they are giving remdesivir only to patients whose condition is significantly deteriorating because they are getting just enough injections to take care of their patients.

“There is no surplus for retail sale,” a representative from a private hospital in Delhi said on condition of anonymity. A representative of another private hospital said, “During the previous phase we had regular supplies, but it has gone down tremendously. The companies are not being able to cater to the unexpected demand.”

Approved as an investigational drug for strict use under hospital conditions, remdesivir has seen a surge in demand over the last few days as the second wave of Covid-19 continues to grip the country. “It is not a wonder drug and should be used under specific circumstances. It cannot be used at home,” said Naveet Wig, head of department of medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

“There are clear-cut guidelines on the use of remdesivir and that should be judiciously followed.” A number of pharmacists in Delhi raised concerns over people buying the injection from chemists. “We have seen Covid patients being prescribed remdesivir in a home setting,” said a chemist in Delhi.

VK Paul, Niti Aayog member-health, had earlier said, “There is no question of use of remdesivir in patients in home settings. Under no circumstances is it to be used in the home setting. It is included in the Covid-19 management protocol as an ‘investigational drug’. It needs to be used in the hospital, in people on oxygen. It is not to be procured by a patient from a chemist shop. It is disturbing what is happening.”

The government had recently banned export of remdesivir due to its shortage.