Tell me what you know about it. I'm hearing that it's very effective. How safe is it? In what cases should it be used/not used?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Monoclonal Antibody Infusion
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Last: 2 yr ago by KidDoc
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Viewed pretty widely as an important tool in treatment of COVID positive individuals who are at high risk for severe outcomes and hospitalization. Timing is important with infusion advised in the first 10 days and ideally 3-5 days in.
Seems that more and more people are getting prescribed for it faster and without the same level of risk profile that they were requiring early on but that's just an observation from several friends and neighbors who have done the Regeneron treatment recently.
My Dad had the one from Eli Lilly just a few weeks after EUA back in November and had an awful night following the infusion (> 105 temp) but turned the corner quickly the next day.
Seems that more and more people are getting prescribed for it faster and without the same level of risk profile that they were requiring early on but that's just an observation from several friends and neighbors who have done the Regeneron treatment recently.
My Dad had the one from Eli Lilly just a few weeks after EUA back in November and had an awful night following the infusion (> 105 temp) but turned the corner quickly the next day.
It seems to be very safe, but it's new so who knows for sure? Last I checked, it had the 2nd best evidence of benefit behind vaccination. It is only for high risk people who have tested positive for COVID but aren't (yet) sick enough to be hospitalized. The benefit is a much decreased risk of needing hospitalization.
The "high risk" part gets tricky, but for this medicine everyone with age and BMI over 26 pretty much qualify.
The "high risk" part gets tricky, but for this medicine everyone with age and BMI over 26 pretty much qualify.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
They really expanded the high risk profile in April. It covers all but the youngest and healthiest people now
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
https://rebelem.com/recovery-trial-the-regn-cov-antibody-cocktail-in-covid19/
Regeneron's monoclonal antibody cocktail has the best evidence for efficacy, however, its efficacy is mild and seems to be limited to those that are seronegative for COVID antibodies.
Above is a link to a colleague of mines breakdown of the Regeneron trial.
My main takeaways are that this should really only be considered in very early disease (first week of symptom onset, preferably first 3-4 days) in patients that are at high risk for severe disease. If you are at the point where you are having trouble breathing, you are already likely too late. It is contraindicated in those requiring oxygen.
If you have been vaccinated and are not immunocompromised, I'm not sure that it will have much benefit for you.
Unfortunately, most people are not getting tested to see if they are seronegative for COVID antibodies, so administration of this is basically a cr*pshoot for whether it will have any benefit for you.
Regeneron's monoclonal antibody cocktail has the best evidence for efficacy, however, its efficacy is mild and seems to be limited to those that are seronegative for COVID antibodies.
Above is a link to a colleague of mines breakdown of the Regeneron trial.
My main takeaways are that this should really only be considered in very early disease (first week of symptom onset, preferably first 3-4 days) in patients that are at high risk for severe disease. If you are at the point where you are having trouble breathing, you are already likely too late. It is contraindicated in those requiring oxygen.
If you have been vaccinated and are not immunocompromised, I'm not sure that it will have much benefit for you.
Unfortunately, most people are not getting tested to see if they are seronegative for COVID antibodies, so administration of this is basically a cr*pshoot for whether it will have any benefit for you.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
The trails were so effective that they stopped them because it was determined to be unethical to continue denying the treatment to the control group. It is the closest thing to a silver bullet that we have.
Hell just read the stories of people that took it on here.
Of course if you have a problem with the vaccines using "aborted baby cells" you aren't going to like this option. Also if you don't like lining the pockets of big pharma by taking a cheap vaccine, you should have a problem with taking treatment that cost the government $1500
Edited to add:the trial I saw was administering within early onset of symptoms and measured against preventing hospitalization and death.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00650-7
Hell just read the stories of people that took it on here.
Of course if you have a problem with the vaccines using "aborted baby cells" you aren't going to like this option. Also if you don't like lining the pockets of big pharma by taking a cheap vaccine, you should have a problem with taking treatment that cost the government $1500
Edited to add:the trial I saw was administering within early onset of symptoms and measured against preventing hospitalization and death.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00650-7
Agree with all this.
Most people are developing antibodies by the time they get the treatment. In fact, during the early study they enrolled a lot of people that they thought were very early in the disease course because they had just developed symptoms in the prior day or two, but about half already had antibodies.
I think the elderly (who have slow immune systems with poor memory), as well as the immunocompromised, will benefit most. It will probably make others feel better a little sooner, but end result is probably going to be the same.
Given the cost, however, I feel like this the equivalent of saving money by not changing your engine oil. Yeah, not getting a free vaccine makes sense now, but having to spend significantly more to change out your engine when it seizes is probably going to make you regret pinching those pennies.
Most people are developing antibodies by the time they get the treatment. In fact, during the early study they enrolled a lot of people that they thought were very early in the disease course because they had just developed symptoms in the prior day or two, but about half already had antibodies.
I think the elderly (who have slow immune systems with poor memory), as well as the immunocompromised, will benefit most. It will probably make others feel better a little sooner, but end result is probably going to be the same.
Given the cost, however, I feel like this the equivalent of saving money by not changing your engine oil. Yeah, not getting a free vaccine makes sense now, but having to spend significantly more to change out your engine when it seizes is probably going to make you regret pinching those pennies.
Take a look at my post from a few days ago and the recap of my timeline that was included.
https://texags.com/forums/84/topics/3221613
I'm on day 2 after receiving the infusion and feeling pretty good overall.
https://texags.com/forums/84/topics/3221613
I'm on day 2 after receiving the infusion and feeling pretty good overall.
It's for high risk and/or rich people who ask for it (see Joe Rogan, although I'm sure when he recovers the antibody infusion won't get the credit.)
amercer said:
It's for high risk and/or rich people who ask for it (see Joe Rogan, although I'm sure when he recovers the antibody infusion won't get the credit.)
Our hospital gets it from the company for free and administers it without charging. And we offer and recommend it to all high risk unvaccinated outpatients that test positive for COVID. So not really sure where "rich and asking for it" comes into play
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
amercer said:
It's for high risk and/or rich people who ask for it (see Joe Rogan, although I'm sure when he recovers the antibody infusion won't get the credit.)
Literally every headline I've seen calls out his use of ivermectin and only in the article does his use of monoclonal antibodies get a passing mention. So you are right, when he recovers expect anoth run on TSC
The 54-year-old comedian isolated from his family and started getting "fevers and sweats" that night, he said. Rogan tested positive for COVID the following morning, and began taking several medications, including monoclonal antibodies, ivermectin, Z-Pak and prednisone, he said. He also took an NAD drip and a vitamin D drip.Duncan Idaho said:amercer said:
It's for high risk and/or rich people who ask for it (see Joe Rogan, although I'm sure when he recovers the antibody infusion won't get the credit.)
Literally every headline I've seen calls out his use of ivermectin and only in the article does his use of monoclonal antibodies get a passing mention. So you are right, when he recovers expect anoth run on TSC
ramblin_ag02 said:amercer said:
It's for high risk and/or rich people who ask for it (see Joe Rogan, although I'm sure when he recovers the antibody infusion won't get the credit.)
Our hospital gets it from the company for free and administers it without charging. And we offer and recommend it to all high risk unvaccinated outpatients that test positive for COVID. So not really sure where "rich and asking for it" comes into play
His age plus BMI probably put him in a higher risk category. I thought he was younger.
What was the headline of that article?
Literally every headline I have seen follows the ones below. Even if you read the articles the use of monoclonal antibodies is lumped in with everything else from z-pack to a "vitamin drip"
The thread on 16chan only has one post that mentions that he got Monoclonal antibody treatments.
When he recovers, the credit will go to ivermectin, not monoclonal antibodies or just his intrinsic risk profile.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/joe-rogan-covid-19-ivermectin-federal-warnings
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/01/joe-rogan-covid/
Literally every headline I have seen follows the ones below. Even if you read the articles the use of monoclonal antibodies is lumped in with everything else from z-pack to a "vitamin drip"
The thread on 16chan only has one post that mentions that he got Monoclonal antibody treatments.
When he recovers, the credit will go to ivermectin, not monoclonal antibodies or just his intrinsic risk profile.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/joe-rogan-covid-19-ivermectin-federal-warnings
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/01/joe-rogan-covid/
I can't find it now....watch his interview in this one (its short).Duncan Idaho said:
What was the headline of that article?
Literally every headline I have seen follows the ones below. Even if you read the articles the use of monoclonal antibodies is lumped in with everything else from z-pack to a "vitamin drip"
The thread on 16chan only has one post that mentions that he got Monoclonal antibody treatments.
When he recovers, the credit will go to ivermectin, not monoclonal antibodies or just his intrinsic risk profile.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/joe-rogan-covid-19-ivermectin-federal-warnings
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/01/joe-rogan-covid/
https://www.kvue.com/article/entertainment/joe-rogan-covid19-positive/269-29d80fa3-d3a9-4299-81f5-745f5c8aaa37
Where I am we offer monoclonal infusions for anyone with risk factors and less than 10 days of symptoms and not needing oxygen. This includes 12+ years of age and overweight (BMI > 85% for age). So, as mentioned, anyone positive who is not young and in perfect health.
There is no charge to the families for this infusion.
There is no charge to the families for this infusion.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Do you doctors recommend infusion if someone has been vaccinated?
I don't know much about it.
I do know several of our hospital partners are expanding their infusion programs and called us asking to borrow our mobile donor beds to set up for patients so they can utilize more space.
I do know several of our hospital partners are expanding their infusion programs and called us asking to borrow our mobile donor beds to set up for patients so they can utilize more space.
Methodist Physician will place the order for treatment if you qualify based on the following:KidDoc said:
Where I am we offer monoclonal infusions for anyone with risk factors and less than 10 days of symptoms and not needing oxygen. This includes 12+ years of age and overweight (BMI > 85% for age). So, as mentioned, anyone positive who is not young and in perfect health.
There is no charge to the families for this infusion.
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
My concern is ive had some endocrine issues and histamine issues on an off for the past 4/5 years. We have had lots of specialist hinting at mast cell issues and not a straight forward allergy/histamine response where its a complete diagnosis we can 100% confirm. My PCP is aware of these symptoms ive mentioned to her previously and knows ive been on and off hypothyroid and some other endocrine issues thats neurologist and others have danced around for years where my immune system has been a little on the fritz.
Having said all that what is your opinion and do you think i will get push back? Or if my PCP writes the orders the Methodist facility has to follow those orders and wont ask anymore questions as that point?
I did my infusion at Houston Methodist in the TMC. The room was ran very efficiently, but seemed to have been put together rather quickly. None of the chairs patients were sitting in matched. They looked like they were from waiting rooms or the chairs that are typically for visitors in hospital rooms.SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
I don't know much about it.
I do know several of our hospital partners are expanding their infusion programs and called us asking to borrow our mobile donor beds to set up for patients so they can utilize more space.
This is very troublesome. You would think we could provide matching chairs and some ambience for those receiving Covid therapeutics. Please don't tell me they had popcorn ceilings too.TexAg2001 said:I did my infusion at Houston Methodist in the TMC. The room was ran very efficiently, but seemed to have been put together rather quickly. None of the chairs patients were sitting in matched. They looked like they were from waiting rooms or the chairs that are typically for visitors in hospital rooms.SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
I don't know much about it.
I do know several of our hospital partners are expanding their infusion programs and called us asking to borrow our mobile donor beds to set up for patients so they can utilize more space.
Geez....get a grip. It wasn't a complaint. It was merely an observation that confirmed the post I quoted. I'm very thankful for the treatment I received and impressed they were able to get something set up that worked quickly and efficientlyNicosMachine said:This is very troublesome. You would think we could provide matching chairs and some ambience for those receiving Covid therapeutics. Please don't tell me they had popcorn ceilings too.TexAg2001 said:I did my infusion at Houston Methodist in the TMC. The room was ran very efficiently, but seemed to have been put together rather quickly. None of the chairs patients were sitting in matched. They looked like they were from waiting rooms or the chairs that are typically for visitors in hospital rooms.SoulSlaveAG2005 said:
I don't know much about it.
I do know several of our hospital partners are expanding their infusion programs and called us asking to borrow our mobile donor beds to set up for patients so they can utilize more space.
Doctors, what have you noticed about supply meeting demand? Anecdotally, a friend was prepared to drive to The Woodlands from Collin County tomorrow for her 16yo (Chiari patient with other health issues) because that was all their doctor could find for them. A family friend pulled some strings and got her into a location in Coppell, but it sounds like demand might be exceeding supply, unless this was just a strange day.
In my health system, we've administered over 2k doses.
It's done as an outpatient.
10% have a local irritation.
Only 1 serious complication so far, happened yesterday. Chest pain / shortness of breath halfway through the infusion, resolved with stopping and administration of solumedrol and benedryl.
Data so far shows a 70% reduction in hospital admissions.
I'm not aware of any supply issues, though have friends in other parts of the country who have had a hard time getting access to it as patients.
It's done as an outpatient.
10% have a local irritation.
Only 1 serious complication so far, happened yesterday. Chest pain / shortness of breath halfway through the infusion, resolved with stopping and administration of solumedrol and benedryl.
Data so far shows a 70% reduction in hospital admissions.
I'm not aware of any supply issues, though have friends in other parts of the country who have had a hard time getting access to it as patients.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Tested positive today 4 days after onset, scheduled for infusion in the AM. Any reason I could not take Allegra D? I'm afraid my sinus/drainage/congestion will be much worse tomorrow without taking something in the meantime. I of course don't want to cause an interaction or disqualify myself from the therapy.
Nothing?
No one can answer that question for you. We don't know you or your medical history. Some people can take those things and be fine. Others can get very sick from decongestants. I can tell you that allegra D will not impact monoclonal antibody infusions. As far as I know there is no drug interaction between the two. I cannot tell you that it is safe for your to take allegra DMr. AGSPRT04 said:
Tested positive today 4 days after onset, scheduled for infusion in the AM. Any reason I could not take Allegra D? I'm afraid my sinus/drainage/congestion will be much worse tomorrow without taking something in the meantime. I of course don't want to cause an interaction or disqualify myself from the therapy.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
P.H. Dexippus
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How long do you want to ignore this user?
Have taken Allegra D for over a decade so not concerned with it generally. Was only concerned with interaction.
What places in the BCS area are using this treatment?
https://protect-public.hhs.gov/pages/therapeutics-distribution?utm_campaign=morning_wire&utm_medium=email&utm_source=housefileL08 said:
What places in the BCS area are using this treatment?
If I’m posting, it’s actually Mrs GeographyAg.
Mr. GeographyAg is a dedicated lurker.
Mr. GeographyAg is a dedicated lurker.
I'm 45, no health issues, fit, and I had no problem getting Regeneron today, just one day after symptoms started and I tested positive. My doc and every doc I talked to said get it if you can get it. I called the local hotline, answered a handful of questions, and received a four shot dose 3 hours later. I was in and out in 15 minutes, including a 10 minute wait after the shots.
I have had substantive conversations with the scientists at Lilly who developed bamlanivumab and also their more recent dual antibody cocktail.
What I can tell you is that these are state of the art humanized monoclonal antibodies whose epitope specificity (ie, the regions that they bind to block RBD receptor binding- ie, the way the virus enters human cells) has been mapped at the molecular level. This assures high degree of neutralizing potency.
My understanding is that the regeneron dual monoclonal antibody cocktail is also very highly technically designed.
I have referred a considerable number of patients for therapy, and the results have been good, mirroring the clinical trials that led to FDA approval.
I am not sure how good the evidence is with Delta, but it should be an issue that can be addressed simply by dosing and further epitope mapping and molecular/protein engineering to increase affinity for the delta RBD protein. Suffice it to say this technology works, and is modifiable for new variants, and is likely to remain a cornerstone of treatment for unvaccinated individuals.
If you are not vaccinated and have symptoms, get diagnosed as soon as possible, and if positive request either of the two antibody cocktails as quickly as you can. Prior posters are correct in that the drugs are most effective in the first few days, and after several days, you may not be able to get them, because there is concern of potential harm (largely theoretical).
I am unaware of its use in vaccinated individuals, but I would suspect some data exists on that issue.
What I can tell you is that these are state of the art humanized monoclonal antibodies whose epitope specificity (ie, the regions that they bind to block RBD receptor binding- ie, the way the virus enters human cells) has been mapped at the molecular level. This assures high degree of neutralizing potency.
My understanding is that the regeneron dual monoclonal antibody cocktail is also very highly technically designed.
I have referred a considerable number of patients for therapy, and the results have been good, mirroring the clinical trials that led to FDA approval.
I am not sure how good the evidence is with Delta, but it should be an issue that can be addressed simply by dosing and further epitope mapping and molecular/protein engineering to increase affinity for the delta RBD protein. Suffice it to say this technology works, and is modifiable for new variants, and is likely to remain a cornerstone of treatment for unvaccinated individuals.
If you are not vaccinated and have symptoms, get diagnosed as soon as possible, and if positive request either of the two antibody cocktails as quickly as you can. Prior posters are correct in that the drugs are most effective in the first few days, and after several days, you may not be able to get them, because there is concern of potential harm (largely theoretical).
I am unaware of its use in vaccinated individuals, but I would suspect some data exists on that issue.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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