Bamlanivimab+etesevimab
About Bamlanivimab+etesevimab
Bamlanivimab+etesevimab is a specialised prescription medication used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and certain paediatric patients. It is specifically prescribed for individuals who have tested positive and are at high risk of progressing to severe illness or requiring hospitalisation. This therapy helps the body combat the viral infection before it can cause severe damage.
Because this medication is delivered as a single intravenous infusion, it is not used on a regular daily schedule. It should be given as soon as possible after a positive viral test and within 10 days of your symptoms starting. Getting plenty of bed rest and staying well-hydrated during this recovery period will help support the treatment's success.
While this treatment is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or mild skin itching. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or extreme chills during or after the infusion, please tell a healthcare professional right away so they can assess your condition and help you quickly. Always consult your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Do not take this if you have a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in this injection. Before receiving this treatment, tell your doctor if you have any other serious health conditions, kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to review your complete medical history to ensure this therapy is safe for you.
This therapy may interact with active immunisations, meaning you should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine for a specific period after treatment because the antibodies can block the vaccine's effect. It is also wise to avoid alcohol during recovery, as it can dehydrate the body and slow down your natural healing process. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss your specific care plan.
Uses of Bamlanivimab+etesevimab
Medicinal Benefits
Bamlanivimab+etesevimab helps treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in eligible patients by providing laboratory-made antibodies that target the virus. The following are the benefits of this medication:
- Helps reduce the risk of hospitalisation in eligible patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
- Helps lower the risk of progression to severe COVID-19.
- May speed up symptom relief and recovery by helping clear the virus.
- Provides immediate antiviral support by supplying laboratory-made antibodies that bind to the virus.
- Helps neutralise the virus during an active COVID-19 infection.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dose and timing of Bamlanivimab+etesevimab for optimal results.
- Bamlanivimab+etesevimab will be administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Bamlanivimab+etesevimab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Mild itching, redness, or hives
- Slight pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and extreme difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Infusion reactions during or shortly after the procedure, which may include fever, chills, shivering, rapid heart rate, sudden drop in blood pressure, or chest discomfort
Drug Warnings
- Receive treatment at a suitable facility: Make sure your infusion is given at a healthcare facility that is prepared to treat severe allergic reactions if they occur.
- Stay for observation after the infusion: Remain at the clinic for at least 60 minutes after your infusion. This allows the healthcare team to monitor you for any delayed reactions.
- Check the infusion solution: The healthcare team will inspect the medicine before use. If you see the solution, it should be mostly clear or slightly cloudy, without any particles or unusual colour.
- Report symptoms during the infusion: Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you feel cold, shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or notice a fast heartbeat during the infusion.
- Discuss vaccines with your doctor: Do not receive any viral vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, for at least 90 days after treatment unless your healthcare provider advises it.
Drug Interactions
- COVID-19 Vaccines (Active Immunizations): Receiving this antibody infusion may temporarily reduce the body's immune response to active vaccines. It is generally recommended to wait at least 90 days after receiving this treatment before getting vaccinated.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with Bamlanivimab+etesevimab. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Bamlanivimab+etesevimab on pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Bamlanivimab+etesevimab on nursing. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Bamlanivimab+etesevimab affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert after taking Bamlanivimab+etesevimab.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Bamlanivimab+etesevimab in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Bamlanivimab+etesevimab in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
safe if prescribedPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor will determine the dose and duration based on your child's condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Prioritise hydration: Drink plenty of water, clear soups, and electrolyte-rich fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen viral symptoms and slow recovery.
- Get sufficient sleep: Ensure you get 8 to 10 hours of restful sleep daily to give your body the energy it needs to fight off the active viral infection.
- Isolate properly: Follow your local public health guidance to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other people and pets while you are recovering. Isolation can feel lonely or stressful, so try to stay connected with family and friends through phone or video calls whenever possible, and ask for help if you need support with daily tasks or emotional well-being.
- Avoid physical strain: Limit heavy physical activity and exercise until you are completely recovered to prevent putting unnecessary stress on your cardiovascular system.
Special Advise
- In case of a fever or rash following Bamlanivimab+etesevimab, do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medicines without consulting the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from a mild cold, cough and fever to full-blown pneumonia. Coronavirus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the surface of the pathogen. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person’s cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of coronavirus disease are dry cough, tiredness, breathlessness, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, body pains, headache, and sore throat.
FAQs
Bamlanivimab+etesevimab belongs to the group of monoclonal antibodies used in the post-exposure prevention and treatment of mild to moderate respiratory illness caused by COVID-19. Bamlanivimab+etesevimab is used in non-hospitalised cases of COVID-19 that are at risk of progressing to severe disease. Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Bamlanivimab+etesevimab works by inducing an antibody response in the body by instilling monoclonal antibodies that mimic the natural defences of the body and block the spike protein of the virus from attaching to body cells, thus arresting the progression of the disease.
Remdesivir is an antiviral that functions to kill the virus. On the other hand, Bamlanivimab+etesevimab blocks the virus from attaching to the cells of the body. Thereby preventing the progression of the disease.
Vaccines stimulate the body to make its own antibodies against infection. On the other hand, monoclonal antibodies deliver lab-made antibodies against the virus.
This medication is given as a single-dose intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein by a trained healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the procedure.
No, you should generally wait at least 90 days before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, as the antibodies in the infusion may prevent the vaccine from working effectively. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
The infusion itself typically takes about 21 to 60 minutes, followed by an additional observation period of at least one hour to monitor for side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
It is not an instant cure, but it helps your body fight the virus and reduces the risk of your symptoms becoming severe. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms continue to worsen.
It is prescribed for adults and certain paediatric patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if this treatment is appropriate for you.
Treatment recommendations for COVID-19 have changed as new virus variants have emerged. Depending on your age, symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and risk of severe illness, your doctor may recommend currently authorised antiviral medicines or other supportive treatments instead of monoclonal antibody therapy. The most appropriate treatment depends on your individual health, the circulating virus variants, and current national treatment guidelines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best treatment option for you.
There is limited data on the safety of this treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before receiving the infusion.
You must tell the healthcare professional administering the infusion immediately, as dizziness can be a sign of an infusion reaction or blood pressure changes. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
