Monoclonal Treatment

If you or a loved one test positive for COVID-19, one of the first things to cross your mind is how to lessen the risk of getting severely sick. Thankfully, treatments are now available to help mitigate symptoms and lessen the chances of hospitalization and death.

Oklahoma ER & Hospital continues to help patients recover from COVID-19 using monoclonal antibody therapy. Administered by IV, REGEN-COV is a combination of monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab. Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that imitate the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens and viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, speeding up the recovery process.

The FDA authorized emergency use of REGEN-COV for high-risk individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19, to prevent severe symptoms that may lead to hospitalization. REGEN-COV is also authorized for emergency use as a treatment therapy for those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Testing & Treatment Order Form
Doctor hold a vial of monoclonal antibodies , a new treatment for coronavirus Covid-19, on a white table

Who can receive this treatment?

The target audience for monoclonal antibody therapy are adults and children 12 years or older experiencing mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, and those who are at high risk for having severe symptoms.

In order for the treatment to be most effective, it should be administered within 10 days of symptom onset.

Please tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have any allergies
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
  • Have any serious illnesses
  • Are taking any medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products)

Does it Work?

Although the vaccine is the best way to avoid getting COVID, monoclonal antibody therapy is one of the most promising treatment options and has saved countless lives during this pandemic. According to data collected by the New England Journal of Medicine, monoclonal antibodies have successfully reduced COVID-19 hospitalization rates.

So, what’s the main difference between the vaccine and monoclonal antibodies? Vaccines help to protect your body and prevent new infections, but they do not treat existing infections. Monoclonal antibodies treat existing infections and can provide immediate protection if someone is exposed to COVID-19.

If you get vaccinated, and have a breakthrough COVID-19 case, you are still eligible for monoclonal antibody therapy. Oklahoma ER & Hospital offers both the vaccine and monoclonal antibody therapy, as well as COVID-19 testing.

If you need COVID-19 treatment, or have any questions, please call our facility—open 24/7—at 405-251-2300.