What Is a Monoclonal Antibody Infusion?
Since the emergence of COVID-19, many cases of hospitalizations, severe weakness and illnesses, and even death have been reported. And you might be wondering if there’s any possible treatment for COVID-19 for those who are infected.
First, the virus is relatively new, and second, it takes time for scientists to study and develop treatments. The FDA, however, granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to monoclonal antibody infusion as a treatment for COVID-19.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that are like your body’s antibodies but have the strong ability to fight the COVID-19 virus. They’re designed to prevent severe symptoms from developing, help prevent hospitalization, and reduce viral loads in those who get sick or are at high risk.
Also, most recently, the FDA authorized monoclonal antibody therapy in certain people at high risk and exposed to COVID-19. The FDA, however, insists that the infusion should not be used in place of the COVID-19 vaccination.
How Does Monoclonal Infusion Antibody Work?
Our immune system produces antibodies that are the main ways the body defends itself against diseases. They work by binding to viruses or bacteria and make them harmless.
Monoclonal antibodies are similar to the ones our bodies make in response to unfamiliar molecules or antigens. The only difference is that scientists produce monoclonal antibodies in a laboratory setting to be infused into the blood.
After entering into your blood, monoclonal antibodies bind to the spike protein on the outer shell of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and prevents the virus from entering into human cells. Although this antibody is effective, it cannot be used as a substitute for vaccination. You will still need to be vaccinated to break the COVID-19 chain.
Monoclonal Antibody infusion in Oklahoma
NP2GO is now offering new mobile options to treat COVID-19 patients in Oklahoma City. We received our first supply of Regen-COV, a combination of casirivimab and imdevimab, which has proven better results in preventing patients from becoming severely ill or hospitalized.
According to a study, REGEN-COV monoclonal antibody treatment reduced the risk of coronavirus transmission by 81%. Experts, therefore, suggest that REGEN-COV is highly effective at reducing the symptomatic transmissions of COVID-19.
Who Is Eligible for Monoclonal Antibody Infusion?
Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has had the symptoms for ten days or less or one of the following is eligible for monoclonal antibody infusion:
- 65 years of age or older
- 12 years old or older weighing at least 40 kgs (88 pounds) with one or more of the following conditions:
- Weak immune system
- Chronic kidney diseases
- Down syndrome
- Dementia
- Diabetes(Type 1 and type 2)
- Overweight (Body mass index over 25)
- Sickle cell diseases
- Liver disease
- Congenital or acquired heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Chronic respiratory problems or asthma
- Immunosuppressive disease or are currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
- You’re on medical-related technology dependence like a feeding tube
- Pregnant
- Current or former smoker
- Current or history of drug abuse
If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and have any of the above risk factors, consider starting monoclonal antibody treatment as soon as possible. The treatment is most effective when given shortly after the symptoms appear.
How Is Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Administered?
The monoclonal antibody is administered through IV infusion. NP 2GO provides the first and one-of-a-kind mobile monoclonal antibody infusion in Oklahoma. Monoclonal antibody treatment involves placing a needle in your vein and slowly depositing the medicine into the blood. The infusion takes about one and a half hours. After the IV is removed, the health care professionals will wait for at least one hour to observe and monitor any signs of an allergic reaction. The entire process takes about three hours.
What Are the Side Effects of Monoclonal Antibody Infusion?
Since antibodies are proteins themselves, giving them can sometimes cause allergic reactions. The reactions can occur during or soon after the infusion. Possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Weakness
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Tiredness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Wheezing
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Muscle aches
- Swelling of lips, face, or throat
Should I Still Isolate Myself After Receiving Monoclonal Antibody Infusion?
Monoclonal antibodies are not a cure for COVID-19. So, you’re still considered contagious even after the infusion. You’re therefore required to isolate yourself for:
- 10 full days since you tested positive
- 10 or more days after the appearance of symptoms or if your symptoms don’t go away
- You’ve been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine
Can I Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine After Receiving Monoclonal Antibody Treatment?
Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends that after receiving monoclonal antibody treatment, you should wait for 90 days before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. And if you received monoclonal antibody treatment before the second dose of vaccine, you should wait for 90 days before getting it.
How Much Does Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Cost?
Insurance usually covers the cost of treatment; however, we are not credentialed with any insurance companies. We accept uninsured patients and patients who wish to private pay for the infusion. If you have insurance, you may pay $750 and file a superbill for reimbursement from your insurance.
To receive monoclonal antibody infusion, you must have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 10 days. It’s offered at outpatient locations, urgent care centers, and hospitals. But the good news is NP 2 GO Clinic is the first to offer the best and one-of-a-kind mobile monoclonal antibody treatment in Oklahoma.
Although monoclonal antibody infusion effectively treats COVID-19, we still emphasize that it should not be used as a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine. Contact us for more information.