Tag: Veklury

Remdesivir (sold as Veklury) was the first drug approved by the FDA for treating COVID-19 in October 2020. So, is remdesivir a steroid or antibiotic? The answer is neither; it is a broad-spectrum antiviral medication belonging to a class called purine nucleosides.

In October 2020, Veklury (remdesivir) became the first FDA-approved treatment for COVID-19. If you've been wondering, "what is the new name for remdesivir?", the answer lies in understanding the distinction between a drug's generic and brand name. The generic name for this antiviral medication is remdesivir, while Veklury is its proprietary brand name, created and marketed by Gilead Sciences.

Remdesivir (sold as Veklury) was the first antiviral medication to receive FDA approval for the treatment of COVID-19 in October 2020. To understand its purpose and effectiveness, it's essential to know what is remdesivir used for and the clinical evidence supporting its use.

According to the World Health Organization, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) is often a superior choice to remdesivir for many patients due to its ease of oral administration, influencing the discussion on which is better, Paxlovid or remdesivir. These two antiviral medications, while both effective against COVID-19, have distinct applications, administration methods, and side effect profiles that are critical for healthcare providers to consider.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Paxlovid is the preferred oral antiviral for high-risk COVID-19 patients, but a patient's specific health conditions and medications may make an alternative necessary. For these patients, understanding **what is the alternative to Paxlovid?** is vital for ensuring effective and safe treatment.