What is Casirivimab and Imdevimab?
This drug is not authorised by the US FDA for the treatment of COVID-19 until further notice. Casirivimab and imdevimab are experimental medicines that are being studied to treat conditions caused by coronavirus. Casirivimab and imdevimab have not been studied to determine if they are effective or safe. The use of casirivimab or imdevimab is also recommended for people who have been exposed to COVID-19.
- You are not fully immunised against COVID-19.
- They may have received a vaccination but not enough immunity (because of certain illnesses or medicines they use) and may have been exposed to COVID-19-infected people.
Casirivimab, or imdevimab, is for adults and children over 12 years of age who weigh a minimum of 88 pounds (40 kg).
People who have:
- Are overweight;
- Have you got chronic renal disease
- Have Diabetes?
- Have a weak immune response (caused either by disease or certain medicines);
- Have sickle-cell disease?
- Have a heart condition or high blood pressure
- Have a neurodevelopmental condition such as cerebral palsy.
- Have asthma or another chronic breathing disorder
- Have a tracheostomy or gastrostomy (not related to COVID-19).
Also, pregnant women and adults 65 years of age and older may have a greater risk of experiencing severe COVID-19-related symptoms.
Casirivimab is mixed with imdevimab to form a solution known as regencov.
Casirivimab or imdevimab are not approved for the treatment of COVID-19 or coronavirus. These medicines can help prevent COVID-19-related emergency medical treatment or hospital admission. The use of Regen-Cov in patients who are in the hospital or on supplemental oxygen due to COVID-19 is not approved.
This medication guide does not list all possible uses of imdevimab or casirivimab.
Similar/related drugs
Paxlovid, molnupiravir, Actemra, Lagevrio, Remdesivir, Nirmatrelvir, and Ritonavir
Side effects of Casirivimab and Imdevimab
If you experience any of the following: hives; itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or throat;
Some side effects can occur during injection. You should tell your doctor right away if:
- The swelling of your throat or face;
- Dizziness is a feeling of light-headedness (like you could pass out);
- Shortness of breath.
- Fever; sweating; nausea.
- Heartbeats that are fast or slow, headaches, or pounding in the neck or ears
- Weakness, tiredness;
- Itching
- Muscle pain.
If you experience new or worsening side effects after receiving the infusion, including fever, confusion or weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or rapid or slow heartbeats, call your doctor.
You may experience less serious side effects or none at all. All possible side effects may not yet be known.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report them.
Warnings
This drug may not be used to treat COVID-19 until the US FDA issues further instructions.
Before you take this drug
Inform your physician immediately of any of the following issues:
- A COVID-19 vaccine;
- Ouch: an allergic reaction after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine;
- Any serious or chronic illness
- Allergies
- If you are breastfeeding or pregnant,
COVID-19 can cause serious illness and even death in pregnant women. Although not all risks have been identified, it is believed that being treated with imdevimab or casirivimab will be less harmful than contracting COVID-19 while pregnant.
How to take Casirivimab and Imdevimab?
A healthcare provider injects Regen-Cov under the skin or into a blood vessel. Regen-Cov must be injected slowly into a vein over a period of 20 to 50 minutes. Regen-Cov can be injected into the skin in 2–4 different places. After the injection, you will be monitored to ensure that there is no allergic reaction.
It is recommended that you take Regen-Cov as a single dose within 10 days of the onset of symptoms or as soon as possible following exposure to COVID-19 or if you test positive. If you are exposed to COVID-19 on a regular basis, you may require additional monthly doses. Using Regen-Cov does not reduce your contagiousness to others. Continue using infection prevention methods such as social isolation, self-isolation, and hand washing.
It is also possible that Regen-Cov will not prevent you from getting infected again with the coronavirus. This drug combination may also alter your immune system's response to the coronavirus vaccination. The risks of imdevimab and casirivimab have not been fully studied.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you're on a monthly injection schedule, call your doctor to get instructions if your appointment is missed.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical environment, an overdose is treated immediately.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Casirivimab or imdevimab may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
