Who can have remdesivir
Remdesivir can be given to most adults, and children who weigh at least 40kg.
You may be eligible for remdesivir if all these apply:
- you're in a highest risk group below
- you've tested positive for COVID-19 – find out who can get a free COVID-19 lateral flow test
- you've had COVID-19 symptoms within the last 7 days
You may be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you:
- are aged 85 years or over
- have end-stage heart failure and have a long-term ventricular assistance device
- are resident in a care home and are aged 70 years or over
- are resident in a care home and have a BMI of 35 or more, or have diabetes or heart failure
- have Down's syndrome, or another chromosomal condition that affects your immune system
- have certain types of cancer, or had treatment for certain types of cancer
- have sickle cell disease
- have certain conditions affecting your blood
- have chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5
- have severe liver disease
- have had an organ transplant or are on the organ transplant waiting list
- have certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
- have HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune system
- have a condition affecting your immune system
- have a condition affecting the brain or nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease or certain types of dementia
- have certain lung conditions or treatments for lung conditions
This list is a summary and does not cover everything.
If you're unsure if you are eligible, speak to your GP or hospital specialist who can advise you.
Who may not be able to have remdesivir
Remdesivir is not suitable for some people. Before you have this medicine, tell your doctor if you:
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medicine
- have problems with your kidneys
- have problems with your liver
- are immunosuppressed