Monoclonal Antibodies

What Are Monoclonal Antibodies?

Essentially monoclonal antibodies are one of only a few coronavirus treatments being used by medical professionals today in the treatment of COVID-19.

In a general sense, antibodies are blood proteins produced in response to and made to counteract an antigen. Antibodies are able to neutralize an unrecognized substance in the body and potentially provide protection against future exposure to it.

Monoclonal antibodies work much the same, but they are specifically designed to potently resist coronavirus. Once inside the body, these antibodies can help keep the virus from entering cells, which can in turn slow down an infection.

Eligibility for Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

While the Federal Drug Administration has granted extended Emergency Use Authorization of some monoclonal antibody treatments, there are certain requirements an individual usually must meet before becoming eligible, including:

1. Testing positive for coronavirus and not being under hospital care
2. Being at high risk for developing more severe COVID-19 symptoms and complications
3. Being a minimum of twelve years of age or weight of at least eighty-eight pounds

These guidelines are helpful but can be vague, especially without defined parameters for being high risk. Most physicians consider individuals who have one or more of the following conditions to be in the high-risk category:

Some medical facilities may also offer post-exposure monoclonal antibodies as a preventative measure to individuals who meet the CDC’s criteria of exposure and who are:

• Considered high-risk by healthcare professionals
• At least twelve years of age or weigh 88 pounds or more
• Vaccinated but immunocompromised or not fully vaccinated

How A Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Works

For those concerned about what undergoing a monoclonal antibody treatment will mean, there is power in educating yourself about the process, and it may result in more confidence in your decision to get it done.

The treatment is usually administered via a single intravenous infusion. This allows the antibodies to be transported through the needle and into the patient’s body. For most patients, the process takes approximately an hour and then requires the individual to spend an additional hour at the facility post-procedure to be evaluated for a reaction.

It is worth noting that while a monoclonal antibody treatment may help treat the symptoms of coronavirus, it does not impact isolation time. In other words, if a patient tests positive for coronavirus and chooses to get the antibody treatment, they are still contagious and should follow the CDC’s recommended guidelines for isolation and timing for reentering society.

Those individuals who do receive the treatment are advised to wait ninety days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Potential Side Effects of Monoclonal Antibodies

In most cases, the reason the antibody treatment is used is because any possible side effects are generally not as severe as the more serious symptoms of being infected with coronavirus.

Side effects of monoclonal treatments could potentially include allergic reactions and/or the following for some individuals:

If you have concerns regarding these side effects, it is recommended that you speak with a medical provider prior to getting the treatment.

Benefits of Monoclonal Antibodies

Preliminary clinical data from some studies have shown monoclonal antibodies to be invaluable in:

• Reducing the amount of virus present in an infected person
• Decreasing coronavirus-related emergency room visits
• Decreasing coronavirus-related hospitalizations

While the treatment is being widely used by physicians across the nation, this therapy is continuing to be studied for more information and to learn to what degree it will protect against future COVID-19 infections.

Where to Get a Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

With the resurgence in coronavirus across Texas and many other states, hospitals, emergency rooms, and doctors’ offices are becoming completely inundated with individuals who are sick and those requiring coronavirus testing. Unfortunately, this can add to an extended wait time for patients.

Many patients seeking the antibody treatment are turning to their local urgent care. These facilities generally do not require appointments and welcome walk ins. Their hours often extend beyond the normal close of business and many centers also offer limited weekend hours. This allows patients to come at their convenience while still balancing work and other obligations.

Upon arrival at an urgent care for a monoclonal antibody treatment, patients will be required to provide these healthcare providers with basic information such as:

• Name
• Phone number and address
• Date of birth
• Date of COVID-19 test and the result of that test
• What type of COVID-19 test was administered
• Date of the onset of symptoms (if any symptoms are present)
• Explanation of symptoms being experienced
• Your body mass index
• Height and weight
• Any conditions you have that verify as high risk

It can be a good idea before arriving at the center to see if you require a referral or if patients are required to be a certain age. Some urgent care facilities primarily see patients only eighteen years or older for this specific treatment.