What are Monoclonal Antibodies?

Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are lab-manufactured antibodies, which function similarly to the ones your own body makes in response to an infection. Doctors recommend Covid antibody infusion therapy in Metairie to augment a patient’s immune response and help them fight off the virus and decrease their chances of progressing to more severe illness. Evidence shows that treatment with specific monoclonal antibodies can reduce your risk of requiring evaluation in the emergency department and being hospitalized due to COVID-19. This therapy was made available through a food and drug administration for emergency use.

Are monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 available under a EUA?

Because of the pandemic, an emergency declaration made by the secretary of health and human services gave the FDA the ability to authorize their potential use in treating COVID-19 if they met specific safety and effectiveness requirements. Although these therapies did not go through the same type of review as an FDA-approved product, the decision was made significantly based on the available scientific evidence since the benefit outweighed the risk.

Who can get one of these therapies?

To be eligible:

  • You must be over the age of 12 and weigh at least 88 pounds.
  • You must have mild to moderate symptoms for ten days or less.
  • You must have risk factors that make you more likely to develop severe disease.

You are not eligible for this therapy if:

  • You are above age 65
  • You require supplemental oxygen above your baseline or are sick enough to be hospitalized.
  • If you suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure, or any cardiovascular or respiratory disease.

In rare cases, patients requiring emergency care may be given this therapy before being discharged from the emergency department.

How can you get this therapy?

Monoclonal antibodies are administered through an intravenous catheter placed in your arm at the time of your infusion. However, your doctor will remove the IV before you leave the infusion center.

How long does the therapy take?

Although the infusion takes about one hour, you should expect the entire visit to last approximately three hours. The whole visit will also consist of a physical evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for the therapy.

What are the side effects of monoclonal antibodies therapy for COVID-19?

Allergic reactions can occur during and after monoclonal antibodies infusion. Although allergic reactions are uncommon, some of the most common signs of side effects include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Low blood pressure
  • Wheezing
  • Itching
  • Muscle aches

Moreover, the side effects of getting any medicine by venous route may include temporary pain, bleeding, bruising at the entry site, soreness, swelling, and possible infection to the infusion site. Your care provider will monitor you for one hour after receiving the infusion to assess for a reaction.

Where can you get monoclonal antibody therapy?

Should you be eligible and consent to treatment, the provider that diagnosed you will refer you to this treatment. If you have any questions concerning monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19, visit Align Infusion Clinic to book an appointment.