The Central government has said that the drug remdesivir should be used only in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 and those who have no renal or hepatic dysfunction, within 10 days of symptom onset.

The government cautioned against using the drug in patients who are not on oxygen support or in home settings.

The Union health ministry issued clinical guidance for management of COVID-19 in adult patients and stated further that tocilizumab may be considered in cases of severe disease, preferably within 24 to 48 hours of onset of severe disease or ICU admission. It can be used if there are significantly elevated inflammatory markers (CRP and/or IL-6), if the patient’s condition is not improving despite the use of steroids and there is no active bacterial/fungal/tubercular infection… (NDTV – PTI, December 24, 2021)