COVID-19

In a healthy immune system, antibodies are produced by white blood cells in response to a foreign invader. Antibodies fight off infection by attaching to foreign proteins called antigens to destroy or neutralize them. For example, when you are exposed to a virus, your body produces antibodies to help rid your system of the infection.
 
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced antibodies designed to locate and bind to certain molecules, rendering them neutral in a similar way.
 
First developed in the 1970s, dozens of monoclonal antibody therapies are available today. They fall into three main categories:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-viral

Currently, there are three monoclonal antibody treatments available in the United States to treat COVID-19 with Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.
 

Monoclonal antibody treatment is available to individuals who:

• Patients 65 years of age or older

                          OR

• Are high risk for developing severe COVID-19 AND
• Have a positive COVID-19 test and have not yet been admitted to the hospital AND
• Are 18 years of age or older
  • Children 12 years of age or older (and at least 88 pounds) may be eligible after a discussion with their pediatrician or primary care provider

Important:
In some cases, direct exposure isn't a criterion. If you meet the criteria above and are at high risk of exposure to an individual infected because of an occurrence of infection in other individuals in the same institutional setting (for example: a nursing home), you are eligible for post-exposure preventive monoclonal antibodies.
 
It is important to understand that post-exposure preventive monoclonal antibodies are not a replacement for vaccination. We highly encourage everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
 
Eligibility is determined by your primary care provider or the monoclonal antibody care team and is based on the following high-risk criteria:
 

• 65 years of age or older
• Overweight (body mass index over 25)
• Pregnancy
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Weakened immune system
• Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
• Chronic lung disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Medical-related technological dependence

Monoclonal antibody therapy is most effective when taken as early in the disease course as possible. So, the sooner the better — even if you're not feeling sick. In high-risk patients, receiving treatment earlier, when symptoms are less severe, may help prevent hospitalization.
 

Monoclonal antibody therapy is an intravenous (IV) infusion. These infusions are given in one of our outpatient care centers and require about an hour to administer, followed by an hour of observation and monitoring. In certain settings it may be administered by an injection.  This decision will be made by the clinical team and will be discussed with you.
 

One possible side effect of monoclonal antibody therapy is an allergic reaction, which is why patients are required to wait for an hour after administration. These reactions typically occur during infusion or soon after, and your care team will closely monitor you for any signs of an allergic reaction.
 
In case of a rare, delayed reaction we advise you to contact your doctor or care team immediately if you notice any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• Fever and/or chills
• Nausea
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure
• Wheezing
• Swelling of lips, face, or throat
• Muscle aches
• Hives or itchiness
   

When administered for preventive use, monoclonal antibody therapy may be given as a subcutaneous injection.
 

No.  Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 needs to isolate — regardless of whether or not they have received monoclonal antibody therapy.
This means staying in your home and away from other household members for:

• 10 days since testing positive or
• 10 days after your symptoms first appear and
• At least 24-hours after your symptoms have improved and you've been without fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications)
   

Once this isolation is complete you can return to work, school, or leave your home (but you should continue to wear a mask, physically distance, and wash your hands often).
 

Because there's very limited data regarding how this therapy affects pregnant women and unborn babies, it's important to discuss your treatment options and your specific situation with your doctor.
 

Everyone should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are safely able to do so.
 
After receiving monoclonal antibody therapy, it's recommended you wait 90 days before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. If you received your first dose of a two-dose vaccine before therapy, we recommend you wait 90 days before receiving your second dose.
 

The U.S. government has bought doses of Regeneron’s monoclonal antibodies, which are free to patients who qualify. Depending on your insurance coverage you may be responsible for costs associated with the administration of the therapy.
 

If you are a Northern Light Health patient who has tested positive for COVID-19, your primary care provider or our Care Management team will reach out to you and recommend monoclonal antibody therapy.
 
If you are not an established Northern Light Health patient, or you have a family member who you think may benefit from treatment, you should reach out to your doctor – they can help you access treatment.