The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently being explored as a potential therapeutic and preventative measure using the injection medicines bamlanivimab and etesevimab.

Currently, only a little amount of data from clinical trials may be used to support the administration of bamlanivimab and etesevimab injection for the treatment of COVID-19. The effectiveness of the combination of bamlanivimab and etesevimab in treating and preventing COVID-19 and its potential side effects has to be further studied.

The FDA has not cleared the use of bamlanivimab and etesevimab injection through the regular review process. However, the FDA has approved an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the administration of bamlanivimab and etesevimab injection to some non-hospitalized adults, children, and infants who have mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, whether they are hospitalised or not.

Some non-hospitalized people, kids, and infants, including newborns, who have specific medical conditions that put them at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, including hospitalisation or death, are given the injections bamlanivimab and etesevimab:

• Can alleviate COVID-19 symptoms that are mild to moderate.
• To stop COVID-19 in those who have had close contact with or are at high risk of having close contact with someone who is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, who are not fully immunised against COVID-19 or who are immunised but have a weakened immune system, or who are taking a medication that affects the immune system (for example, nursing homes, prisons).

Children who are hospitalised and infants less than two years old, including newborns, who have mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms can also benefit from the administration of bamlanivimab and etesevimab.

Monoclonal antibodies include bamlanivimab and etesevimab. These drugs limit the transmission of the virus by preventing the action of a certain natural component in the body.

A doctor or nurse will need to combine the liquid solutions of bamlanivimab and etesevimab before slowly injecting the mixture into a vein.

As soon as feasible following a COVID-19 positive test and within 10 days of the onset of COVID-19 infection symptoms, such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, it is administered simultaneously as a single dose for the treatment of COVID-19.

After coming into contact with someone who has the SARS-CoV-2 virus, bamlanivimab and etesevimab injections should be administered as soon as possible for COVID-19 prophylaxis.

The infusion of bamlanivimab and etesevimab may result in serious or life-threatening side effects. While you are receiving these meds and for at least an hour afterward, a doctor or nurse will closely monitor you. If you experience any of the following symptoms during or after the infusion, contact your doctor or nurse right away: fever, chills, difficulty breathing, fatigue, chest pain, discomfort in the chest, weakness, confusion, nausea, headache, shortness of breath, wheezing, throat irritation, rash, hives, itching, flushing, muscle pain or dizziness, especially when standing up, sweating, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes. If you encounter any of these side effects, your doctor may decide to reduce the rate of your infusion or stop your therapy.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before receiving bamlanivimab and etesevimab injection,

• If you have any allergies to bamlanivimab, etesevimab, other drugs, or any of the substances in bamlanivimab and etesevimab injection, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Immunosuppressive drugs such cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), prednisone, and tacrolimus should all be mentioned (Astagraf, Envarsus, Prograf). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you have ever had a medical problem, gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, or both.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while having the injections bamlanivimab and etesevimab.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

The injections of bamlanivimab and etesevimab may have adverse effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Injection site bleeding, bruising, discomfort, soreness, or swelling

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you have any of these symptoms or those in the HOW section:

• Fever, breathing issues, heart rate fluctuations, fatigue, weakness, or confusion

Other adverse effects are possible with injections of bamlanivimab and etesevimab. If you experience any odd issues while taking these medications, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Ask your pharmacist any inquiries you may have regarding the injections of etesevimab and bamlanivimab.

You should keep isolating as prescribed by your doctor and adhere to standard public health precautions including donning a mask, avoiding social situations, and often washing your hands.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.

Being immunised against COVID-19 is still necessary in addition to having treatment with bamlanivimab and etesevimab injection. If you haven’t already had a COVID-19 vaccine, discuss getting one with your healthcare physician.