Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
Watertown Regional Medical Center is now offering Regeneron-COV monoclonal antibody treatment as an outpatient service in our ambulatory care department.
What is it used for?
The monoclonal antibody infusion for COVID-19 that we currently offer is Regeneron-COV. Regeneron-COV is authorized for the treatment of mild to moderate confirmed COVID-19 in outpatients 12 years and older whose symptoms onset occurred within the past 10 days and are at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. It is also authorized for people who have had significant exposure to a COVID-19 positive patient.
What is it and what does it do?
Regeneron-COV consists of the monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab, administered together. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful viruses. This therapy is designed to help block the COVID-19 virus and prevent the virus from further infecting healthy cells.
Can I receive Regeneron-COV if I've been vaccinated?
Yes. Vaccination status does not disqualify any individual from receiving the Regeneron-COV if they meet the other conditions and criteria.
Do I qualify?
Watertown Regional Medical Center is able to provide monoclonal antibody infusion therapy for treatment or prophylaxis if the following conditions and criteria are met.
Treatment
Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms in adult and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older and weighing at least 88 lbs.) with positive results of direct COVID-19 viral testing, and who are at a high risk for progression to severe COVID-19.
Treatment must be given as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test and within 10 days of symptom onset.
- High-risk conditions include:
- Older than 65 years of age
- Obesity or overweight
- Pregnancy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment
- Cardiovascular disease including congenital heart disease
- Hypertension
- Chronic lung diseases
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Medical related technological dependence, e.g., tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to covid-19
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Adult and pediatric individuals (12yrs of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds) who have had significant exposure to a COVID-19 positive patient and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
- Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who are not expected to mount an adequate immune response to complete COVID-19 vaccination and
- Have been in close contact with an individual infected with COVID-19
- Are at high risk of exposure to an individual infected with COVID-19
- Individuals who repeat dosing is determined to be appropriate for ongoing exposure to COVID-19 for longer than 4 weeks and are not expected to mount an adequate immune response to complete COVID-19 vaccination
What are some reasons I may not qualify?
- Hospitalized due to COVID-19
- Require oxygen therapy due to COVID-19 or increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19
- It has been greater than 10 days since COVID-19 symptoms started
- Weigh less than 88 pounds
- Are under 12 years of age