For the treatment and prevention of coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19), which is brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, casirivimab and imdevimab injection is currently being researched.

Casirivimab and imdevimab injection are now being used to treat COVID-19 according to data from clinical trials. How well the combination of casirivimab and imdevimab works for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and the potential side effects from it has to be known.

Injections of casirivimab and imdevimab have not passed the usual review process to receive FDA use approval. Nonetheless, the FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to permit the injection of casirivimab and imdevimab in select non-hospitalized adults and children 12 years of age and older.

The advantages and disadvantages of taking this medicine should be discussed with your doctor.

When a non-hospitalized adult or kid weighs at least 88 pounds (40 kg) and has a certain medical condition that puts them at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, including hospitalization or death, the medication casirivimab and imdevimab injection is used on them:

• To alleviate the mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.
• To protect people 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 from contracting COVID-19. These people may not be fully immunized against COVID-19, or they may be, but they may also have a weakened immune system or be taking a medication that affects their immune system.

Monoclonal antibodies are a class of drugs that includes casirivimab and imdevimab. In order to stop the virus from spreading, they function by obstructing the functioning of a specific natural component in the body.

A doctor or nurse must prepare a solution (liquid) of cacirivimab and imdevimab injection with liquid before slowly injecting the mixture into a vein for 20 to 50 minutes or longer. It can also be administered subcutaneously (under the skin) as several different injections at the same time in your upper thighs, back of your upper arms, or abdomen.

As soon as possible following a COVID-19 positive test and within 10 days of the onset of COVID-19 infection symptoms like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, it is administered as a one-time dose injected into a vein. To avoid delaying therapy for COVID-19, your doctor may decide that you cannot get casirivimab and imdevimab injection via infusion into a vein. In this case, the medication may be administered subcutaneously (under the skin).

You will receive an initial dose, either as a subcutaneous injection or as an infusion into a vein as soon as feasible after exposure, for the prevention of COVID-19 after exposure to a person who is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If you require additional monthly doses for continuing protection, your doctor will let you know.

When given as an injection or infusion, casirivimab and imdevimab have the potential to have substantial side effects. While you are receiving the drug and for at least an hour after you receive it, a doctor or nurse will carefully monitor you. If you experience any of the following symptoms during or after the infusion: fever, chills, nausea, headache, changes in your heartbeat, chest pain, weakness or fatigue, confusion, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, wheezing, irritation of the throat, rash, hives, itching, muscle pain or aches, sweating, dizziness, especially when standing up, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes, call your doctor or nurse right away. If you have these side effects, your doctor may decide to discontinue your therapy or reduce the rate of your infusion.

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 casirivimab and imdevimab injection,

• If you have any allergies, including to any inactive substances in casirivimab and imdevimab injection, notify your doctor and pharmacist right away. Get 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. 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 right away if you fall pregnant while taking casirivimab and imdevimab.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Imdevimab and casirivimab may have negative side effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Injection site discomfort, bruising, bleeding, soreness, edema, or infection

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

• Fever
• Having trouble breathing
• Alterations in heart rate
• Weakness or fatigue
• Confusion

Imdevimab and casirivimab could have additional adverse effects. If you have any strange side effects while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away.

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

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Ask your pharmacist any inquiries you may have regarding the injections of casirivimab and imdevimab.

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.

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is not a substitute for treatment with casirivimab and imdevimab injection. If you haven’t already had a COVID-19 vaccine, discuss getting one with your healthcare physician.

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.