Casirivimab+imdevimab
About Casirivimab+imdevimab
Casirivimab+imdevimab is a prescription medicine used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and adolescents who are at high risk of progressing to severe illness. It consists of laboratory-made proteins called monoclonal antibodies that target the virus to prevent it from entering and infecting your cells. This treatment is given to help keep your symptoms manageable and reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation.
Because Casirivimab+imdevimab is given as a single, one-time treatment, you do not need to worry about maintaining a daily schedule. It is administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, meaning there are no specific food requirements before or after you receive it. To help support your body's natural defence system during recovery, it is highly recommended to prioritise rest and stay well-hydrated.
Most patients tolerate this treatment well, though you may experience mild side effects like pain, redness, or swelling where the medicine was injected. If you experience serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or throat swelling, you must seek emergency medical help immediately. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely during and right after your treatment to manage any immediate reactions.
Do not take this medicine if you have a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients. It is important to talk to your doctor before receiving this treatment if you have other ongoing medical conditions, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and vaccines you have recently received, as this treatment can interact with certain vaccines and reduce their effectiveness. If you belong to specific groups, such as pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly individuals, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the specific risks and benefits of this medicine.
Uses of Casirivimab+imdevimab
Medicinal Benefits
Casirivimab+imdevimab helps reduce the severity of COVID-19 by blocking the virus from infecting your cells. The following are the benefits of this medication:
- Helps prevent the virus from multiplying, reducing the risk of symptoms becoming more severe.
- Lowers the chance of needing hospitalisation or advanced breathing support when given early in the course of illness.
- Provides ready-made antibodies that start working soon after administration, without waiting for your body to produce its own antibodies.
- May help you recover faster when the treatment is effective against the circulating COVID-19 variant.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dose and timing of Casirivimab+imdevimab for optimal results.
- Casirivimab+imdevimab will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Casirivimab+imdevimab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Pain, redness, bruising, or swelling where the injection was given
- Mild headache or dizziness
- Nausea
- Temporary fever or chills
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or severe difficulty breathing.
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or chest pain.
- Shivering, sweating, or a rapid heart rate during or shortly after the injection, especially if accompanied by breathing difficulty or feeling faint.
Drug Warnings
- Check the medicine before use: Your healthcare provider should make sure the solution is clear to slightly cloudy and colourless to pale yellow, with no visible particles, before giving it.
- Stay for observation: Remain under medical supervision for at least one hour after receiving the medicine so you can be monitored for any allergic or infusion-related reactions.
- Expect multiple injections: If you receive this medicine as injections under the skin, you may need several injections at different sites, such as the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, to receive the full dose.
- Ask about COVID-19 vaccination: If you need a COVID-19 vaccine after this treatment, speak with your doctor about the right timing based on current recommendations and your health condition.
- Seek emergency help if needed: Get emergency medical care immediately if you develop hives, throat tightness, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, or fainting after leaving the clinic.
- Avoid if you have a severe allergy: Do not receive this medicine if you have had a serious allergic reaction to casirivimab, imdevimab, or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor about any previous allergies before treatment.
- Not suitable for severe COVID-19: This medicine is not recommended if you are hospitalised with severe or critical COVID-19 requiring high-flow oxygen, a ventilator, or other advanced breathing support.
- Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This medicine should only be used if the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks.
- Children and age restrictions: This medicine is intended only for certain patients aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg. It should not be used in younger children unless specifically recommended by a doctor.
Drug Interactions
- COVID-19 Vaccines: May temporarily reduce the immune response to the vaccine. It is generally recommended to wait at least 90 days after receiving this treatment before getting vaccinated.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with Casirivimab+imdevimab. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Casirivimab+imdevimab on pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Casirivimab+imdevimab on nursing. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Casirivimab+imdevimab affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Casirivimab+imdevimab in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Casirivimab+imdevimab in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionCasirivimab+imdevimab is not recommended for use in children below 12years. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or decaffeinated herbal teas to help your body recover from the infection and manage mild symptoms.
- Prioritise rest: Allow your body to rest fully during the days following your injection, avoiding strenuous physical activities to conserve energy for your immune response.
- Eat nutritious foods: Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to support your immune system's recovery.
- Isolate as instructed: Continue to follow local isolation guidelines to prevent spreading the virus to others, even if you begin to feel better quickly after receiving Casirivimab+imdevimab.
Special Advise
In case of a fever or rash following Casirivimab+imdevimab, do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medicines without consulting the doctor.
In case of worsening symptoms such as changes in BP, wheezing, hives, shortness of breath, weakness or confusion, call your doctor immediately.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from a mild cold, cough and fever to full-blown pneumonia. Coronavirus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the surface of the pathogen. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person’s cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of coronavirus disease are dry cough, tiredness, breathlessness, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, body pains, headache, and sore throat.
FAQs
Casirivimab+imdevimab belongs to the group of monoclonal antibodies used in the post-exposure treatment of mild to moderate respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 in people aged 12 years or older, weighing at least 40kgs. Casirivimab+imdevimab is used in non-hospitalised cases of COVID-19 that are at risk of progressing to severe disease.
Casirivimab+imdevimab works by inducing an antibody response in the body by instilling monoclonal antibodies that mimic the natural defences of the body and block the spike protein of the virus from attaching to body cells, thus arresting the progression of the disease.
Not enough literature exists to ascertain the effects of Casirivimab+imdevimab on fertility. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Covid-19 spreads through respiratory droplets when in close or direct contact with an infected person. The virus can spread through an infected person’s sneeze or cough. The virus can also be transmitted by touching any contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes without washing the hands.
Vaccines stimulate the body to make its own antibodies against infection. On the other hand, monoclonal antibodies deliver lab-made antibodies against the virus.
Patients with a high risk of developing COVID-19 disease means, those who have certain underlying medical conditions or factors that make them more likely to experience serious illness if they contract COVID-19. These conditions include advanced age, obesity, chronic kidney disease, lung disease, sickle cell disease, neurodevelopmental disorders (for example cerebral palsy) and diseases of metabolism.
An antibody cocktail is a combination of two or more monoclonal antibodies which are separately available but are mixed together. Hence, the name cocktail.
Before taking Casirivimab+imdevimab, inform your doctor if you are allergic to Casirivimab+imdevimab, if you are using prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Also, inform your doctor if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Discuss the severity and duration of your COVID-19 symptoms to ensure the treatment is appropriate for your condition and also let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding, pregnancy or planning pregnancy.
Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a laboratory meant to stimulate immune system. Casirivimab+imdevimab is a treatment that contains two monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies work together to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus by binding to different parts of the virus's spike protein, preventing it from entering human cells.
Monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 should be administered as soon as possible and within 5-7 days of symptom onset. Starting the treatment early in the course of the infection is crucial for it to be effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Certain individuals should avoid monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19, including those who, are allergic to monoclonal antibody treatment, having severe or critical COVID-19 requiring hospitalization, who are seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, indicating previous infection. And inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or planning pregnancy. It's important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your doctor before starting treatment. They can help determine if monoclonal antibody therapy is safe and appropriate for you.
Casirivimab+imdevimab can be administered either intravenously (into a vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin) by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital. Do not self-administer.
If you have high blood pressure and diabetes, you are recommended to take the advice of your doctor before taking Casirivimab+imdevimab. To avoid potential interactions.
There is limited clinical data on the use of this medicine during pregnancy. Your doctor will evaluate the potential benefits and risks to decide if it is safe for you. Talk to your doctor.
It is generally recommended to wait at least 90 days after receiving this treatment before getting a COVID-19 vaccine to ensure the vaccine works effectively. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
While it is not a guaranteed cure, this medicine helps prevent the virus from multiplying, significantly reducing the severity of your symptoms and the risk of hospitalisation. Talk to your doctor about your treatment expectations.
The most common side effects are temporary and include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as mild nausea, dizziness, or headache. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these symptoms persist.
Yes, receiving this treatment does not change the fact that you can still transmit the virus. You must continue to isolate according to local public health guidelines to protect others. Talk to your doctor for guidance.
Yes, this treatment can be given to adolescents who are 12 years of age and older and weigh at least 40 kg (about 88 pounds), provided they meet the criteria for being at high risk. Talk to your doctor to see if this is appropriate for your child.
