Monoclonal Antibody Infusion for COVID-19 Treatment
If you’ve tested positive for Covid-19, it’s only natural to be worried. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the virus’s severity. House Call Doctor Los Angeles now offers monoclonal antibodies, a treatment for patients who are currently suffering from mild to moderate COVID-19. It can be highly effective, especially if patients can obtain the treatment shortly after the first onset of the illness.
This revolutionary treatment reduces the likelihood of patients developing severe symptoms that require hospitalization, especially those with pre-existing conditions. While fairly new, it has been granted emergency use authorization by the FDA following successful clinical trials.
What are Monoclonal Antibodies?
Normally, when a person gets sick their immune system produces antibodies to fight the infection. However, it can take days or weeks to produce enough antibodies to defeat Covid. Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that function similarly to natural antibodies. The difference is that they are ready to fight the moment they enter the patient’s system.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
Monoclonal antibodies administered through an IV reduce the viral load of COVID-19 in an infected individual, weakening the virus. In turn, this reduces the chances of the patient developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, fostering a quicker recovery.
While a monoclonal antibodies infusion isn’t a cure for COVID-19, it does lower the risk for a more severe case requiring hospitalization. Patients who test positive for the virus and undergo the treatment typically experience milder symptoms that don’t warrant serious medical attention and may be less bothersome.
Two extremely important notes:
- This type of infusion is most effective when started within seven days of the onset of symptoms.
- A monoclonal antibody infusion is in no way a substitute for Covid-19 vaccination. This treatment offers only a short-term burst of protection for people who have contracted the illness.
Candidates for Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment
Patients who are 65 and older or suffer from pre-existing medical conditions – such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, dementia, or an immunosuppressive illness – are considered the best candidates for a monoclonal antibodies infusion because of the higher risk of a serious case.
Additional high-risk qualifiers include (but are not limited to):
- Obesity
- Smoking (current or former)
- Pregnancy
There are other reasons a patient may be a candidate for this treatment. Dr. Farzam and our medical staff can help you determine if monoclonal antibodies treatment is appropriate in your case.
FAQs
How is the treatment administered?
Monoclonal antibodies treatment is given via an IV. The treatment itself generally takes about an hour but it is also necessary for the medical team to monitor the patient for an additional hour in case of side effects. When these occur, they are typically mild.
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as monoclonal antibody treatment?
Unvaccinated patients who have undergone monoclonal antibody treatment should wait at least 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. However, patients who have already received one or more doses of a vaccine may undergo the treatment.
House Call Doctor Los Angeles Can Help: Convenient Testing & Treatment
House Call Doctor Los Angeles offers monoclonal antibody infusion treatment for patients with COVID-19. Additionally, we offer both drive-thru and at-home COVID-19 testing.
For more information on monoclonal antibodies or house call medical services, visit our contact page, or call the number on your screen.