What Is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy & Who Can Get It?

What Is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy & Who Can Get It?

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, there was no specific treatment for the disease. Fortunately, doctors now have the means to aid in preventing the onset of severe symptoms in people who are at high-risk, thanks to Monoclonal Treatment Southaven.

How does monoclonal antibody therapy work?

Monoclonal antibody therapy, commonly known as monoclonal antibody infusion therapy, is a new way of treating COVID-19. This treatment aims to diminish symptom intensity, lower viral loads, and prevent hospitalizations.

This kind of treatment relies on Monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are similar to those that your body produces, typically in response to an illness. However, monoclonal antibodies are created in large quantities in a lab and are made to detect a particular part of this virus — the spike protein on its outer shell.

These particular antibodies obstruct the virus’s ability to adhere and enter human cells by focusing on the spike protein. They help the immune system until it can mount a defense on its own.

Although this treatment has a high potential for effectiveness, vaccinations are still necessary. The public still needs to take action and get immunized to stop the spread of the virus.

Who is eligible to receive monoclonal antibody treatment?

Monoclonal antibody treatment is available to people who:

  • Are at high risk of having a severe COVID-19 infection
  • Have not yet been admitted to the hospital despite having a positive COVID-19 test
  • Are at least 12 years old (and at least 88 pounds)

 Post-exposure preventative monoclonal antibodies works people who have been exposed to COVID-19 or those who have:

  • At high risk of developing COVID-19
  • Immunocompromised OR partially immunized
  • 12 years of age or older (and at least 88 pounds

In some circumstances, direct exposure is not a criterion. You are qualified for post-exposure preventative monoclonal antibodies if you match the prerequisites listed above and are in an institutional environment (such as a jail or nursing home) where there is a high probability that you will come into contact with an infected person.

It is critical to realize that post-exposure preventative monoclonal antibodies do not serve as a substitute for immunization. People should receive the COVID-19 immunization.

Do I still need monoclonal antibody treatment even if I am not feeling sick?

For monoclonal antibody treatment to be most successful, one should take it as soon as possible in the disease development. Therefore, even if you don’t yet feel that sick, the sooner, the better.

Early intervention with milder symptoms may help high-risk individuals avoid illness progression that might otherwise necessitate hospitalization.

Can expectant and breastfeeding mothers receive monoclonal antibody treatment?

Given the scarcity of research on how this treatment affects expectant mothers and unborn children, the risks of this new treatment may occasionally outweigh the advantages. It is crucial to discuss your unique condition and treatment options with your doctor if you have COVID-19 while pregnant or nursing and are at high risk.

Are there any details concerning monoclonal antibody treatment that I should know?

You should wait 90 days before getting the COVID-19 vaccination after undergoing monoclonal antibody treatment. The Center for Disease Control recommends waiting 90 days before obtaining the second vaccination if you received the first dose before beginning monoclonal antibody treatment.

Call Desoto Family Care Clinic to schedule your appointment and find out how you can benefit from monoclonal treatment.