Your body produces antibodies to fight infections. However, your body might not be equipped with antibodies that can identify a novel (or novel) virus, such as SARS-CoV-2 the virus responsible for COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody, or mAbs, are created in a lab to fight specific infections (in this case, it’s SARS-CoV-2) and then given directly to you through an infusion. Therefore, the mAb treatment could be beneficial if you’re the highest risk of developing serious illness or require an inpatient stay.
The COVID-19 mAb treatment is distinct from a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine triggers the body’s natural immune response however it may take several weeks to build up enough antibodies against viruses. If you are suffering from the virus the mAb treatment provides an immune system with the protection it requires to defend itself. The mAb treatment doesn’t substitute for the vaccine’s immunity however it could help when you’re in danger of developing COVID-19.
What Can I Expect From Monoclonal Antibody Therapy?
The mAb treatment is typically administered in an infusion clinic since the treatment is administered via a vein within the body (IV infusion) or in the form of shots (injection) or injections (series of shots). Based on the treatment you are receiving, the entire procedure takes between 1-3 hours.
The medical professionals perform a health check-up before they begin an IV that delivers the mAbs to the body within a little over an hour. The procedure is quicker in the event that the treatment is provided as an infusion of shots.
After that, the medical team will ask you to stay in the infusion center for another half hour to make sure that you don’t suffer from an allergic reaction or other adverse consequences. Reactions like this are not common however the medical team needs to monitor you during this time period and be able to respond promptly when you experience an allergic reaction.
You’ll be able to go home when medical staff has inspected you after the infusion.
Even if you feel better, it’s important to realize that you might be a carrier for a period of time. This means that you’ll have to be able to shut yourself off (be completely alone) until these circumstances occur:
- At the very least, five days has passed from you first symptoms of COVID-19.
- There has not been an illness that has caused fever for at least 24 hours, and you have not taken any medication to reduce the severity of fever.
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving.
Important Be sure to follow your physician’s instructions. Based on your individual medical history, you might be required to treat other requirements. If you begin feeling worse don’t be afraid to seek medical attention.
Does Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Make Me Feel Sick?
Antibody treatments don’t contain any live virus, therefore there’s no chance you’ll contract COVID-19 through the mAb treatment. But, the treatment could cause side effects.
- Allergic reactions can occur when you receive an infusion of antibodies. Contact your physician immediately if you experience one of these signs or indications that indicate an allergic reaction nausea, chills, fever and anxiety, shortness of breath and lower or elevated blood pressure and a rapid or slow heart rate and chest pain or discomfort and anxiety and confusion, fatigue and wheezing. You may also experience swelling of your face, lips or neck, itching that includes itching, hives, muscle pain, feeling faint dizziness, sweating, and fainting.
- A medicine infusion could cause minor bleeding, pain, swelling in the area of skin soreness swelling, and even infection of the site of infusion.
There are many possible side effects associated with the treatment of antibodies. Unexpected and serious side effects can occur. A few possible risks of antibody treatment include:
- It could hinder your body’s ability in fighting against a possible infection caused by COVID-19.
- It can lower your body’s immune reaction to COVID-19 vaccinations.
The COVID-19 mAb treatment along with other therapies approved for use in emergency situations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are being investigated. It is therefore possible that we don’t have all the potential risks. As scientists continue to research COVID-19 and the effects of mAb treatments on it, we will discover more about the risks that could be involved. If you have questions you have, talk to your physician.