Experts advise caution on using remdesivir among breastfeeding & pregnant women

Pune: Experts have warned against the rampant use of antiviral drug remdesivir among breastfeeding and pregnant women suffering from Covid-19, besides patients with underlying liver and kidney problems.

The drug’s emergency use authorization also demands liver and kidney function tests be carried out before intravenous administration among at-risk patients. It may cause liver toxicity in those with chronic liver diseases and since it’s mainly cleared via the kidneys, it should not be used in patients with poor renal function too. Gynaecologist Shilpa Naik, professor at BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, said remdesivir could be used with caution in pregnancy and lactation if criteria for compassionate use were met. Patients with underlying medical conditions also need to be administered the drug very carefully.