COURT HOUSE – “Cape Regional Medical Center will begin utilizing Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, as soon as the drug is available for distribution to hospitals,” a spokesperson said.
The drug was seen to accelerate recovery from COVD-19 infections during clinical trials. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for the drug May 1, allowing acute care hospitals, like Cape Regional, to administer the drug for this purpose.
The FDA moved quickly after a National Institutes of Health-sponsored test showed the drug reduced the median hospital stay of patients. The study, however, did not show the drug statistically reduced the mortality rate for infections.
The FDA said there are possible side effects to Remdesivir, including nausea, low blood pressure, and an increase in enzymes, which can cause potential liver complications. The FDA’s chief scientist said the potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks associated with the drug’s use.
