A monoclonal antibody is a laboratory-made molecule that helps your immune system fight diseases like COVID-19. The monoclonal antibodies that fight COVID-19 (called anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies) are given intravenously (IV) if being used to treat COVID-19, or through a shot in your muscle if being used to prevent COVID-19 infection. To learn more about monoclonal antibodies, read below!
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies were developed too quickly to be safe.
Monoclonal antibodies have been safely used as medications to treat many different diseases for a long time. All anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies have been studied in thousands of people and have been carefully reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Monoclonal antibodies used for treatment of COVID-19 provide the same protection as the COVID-19 vaccine.
Both the COVID-19 vaccine and anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies reduce your chance of getting severe COVID-19, going to the hospital, or dying from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine, however, provides long-lasting protection and reduces your risk of getting COVID-19 at all. Monoclonal antibodies for treatment can be given only after you get COVID-19 and don’t currently provide long-lasting protection.
Anyone can get anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies if they get COVID-19.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies can be used only in patients at high risk for severe COVID-19, such as older people; people with heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes; or people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. There is a monoclonal antibody combination that can be used to prevent COVID-19, but it can be used only in people who have immune systems that are weakened by diseases or by medications.
You can get a monoclonal antibody any time after you start having symptoms.
Monoclonal antibodies must be given no more than 7 days after you start having symptoms. The sooner you get the monoclonal antibody, the better.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies have many side effects.
Monoclonal antibodies are safe to use. There is a small possibility of developing a mild rash, nausea, or itching. It is very rare that someone has a more serious reaction, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, rash, or fever.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies aren’t very effective.
Clinical trials of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies have shown that they are very effective at reducing the risk of going to the hospital or dying of COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies also may help your symptoms get better sooner.
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PLEASE TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE AND COPAYS FOR ANTI-SARS-COV-2 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES.