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Etesevimab

Generic name: etesevimab (ETeSEV-a-mib)

Form of dosage: intravenous suspension (700 mg/20 mL).

What is Etesevimab?

This drug cannot be used to treat COVID-19 until the US FDA issues further instructions.Etesevimab is an experimental drug being tested for its use to treat conditions that are caused by coronavirus. Etesevimab's safety and effectiveness are not known.Etesevimab and bamlanivimab can also be used in patients who have had exposure to COVID-19 or:

  • You are not completely vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • They may have received a vaccination but not enough immunity (because of certain illnesses or medicines they use) or have been exposed to or could have been exposed to COVID-19-infected people.

Etesevimab or bamlanivimab can be used in children and adults of any age, even newborns.

People who have:

  • Are overweight;
  • Have you got chronic kidney disease?
  • Have diabetes?
  • Have a weak immunity (caused either by disease or certain medicines);
  • Have you had sickle cell disorder?
  • Have a heart condition or high blood pressure?
  • Have a neurological disorder, such as cerebral palsy.
  • Have asthma or another chronic respiratory disorder.
  • Have a gastrostomy or tracheostomy (not covid-19-related).

Also, pregnant women as well as adults 65 years of age and older may have a greater risk of experiencing severe COVID-19-related symptoms.Etesevimab or bamlanivimab is not approved for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 or coronavirus. These medicines can help prevent COVID-19-related emergency care and hospitalization. Bamlanivimab and etesevimab are not approved for people already receiving oxygen or hospitalization for COVID-19.Etesevimab can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.

Side effects of Etesevimab

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: hives, itching, warmth, tingling sensations, difficulty breathing, or swelling on your lips, face, tongue, or throat,

During the injection, some side effects can occur. You should tell your doctor if:

  • The swelling of your throat or face;
  • Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness (as if you could pass out).
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath
  • Chills, sweating, nausea;
  • Heartbeats that are fast or slow; headaches or pounding of the neck or ear;
  • Weakness, tiredness;
  • A rash or itching
  • Muscle pain.

If you experience new symptoms or worsening ones after receiving the injection, call your doctor. These include fever, fatigue, weakness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or rapid or slow heartbeats.

Some of the most common side effects associated with etesevimab include:

  • Nausea;
  • Dizziness;

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

This drug cannot be used to treat COVID-19 until the US FDA issues further instructions.

Before you take this drug

Etesevimab or bamlanivimab is not approved for use in certain states and territories where COVID-19 variants may have developed resistance to the drugs. Inform your doctor of where you have lived or traveled in the last 2 weeks.

Tell your doctor if:

  • You had the COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Do you have an allergy-related condition?
  • You have a serious chronic illness.
  • You are either pregnant or nursing.

COVID-19 can cause severe illness or even death in pregnant women. Although not all the risks have been identified, it is believed that being treated with bamlanivimab or etesevimab will be safer than getting infected by COVID-19 while pregnant.

How to take Etesevimab?

Etesevimab, or bamlanivimab, is injected by a healthcare provider into a vein.The injections are spread out over a period of 21–70 minutes. For a brief time, you will be monitored to ensure that there is no allergic reaction.Bamlanivimab and etesevimab are usually administered as a single dose, as soon as you can after being exposed to COVID-19 or testing positive, or 10 days following the onset of symptoms.Treatment with etesevimab or bamlanivimab does not reduce your contagiousness. Continue to use infection prevention methods, such as social isolation, self-isolation, hand washing, wearing protective clothing, cleaning surfaces that you frequently touch, not sharing personal belongings with others, etc.The medicines may also not prevent you from getting infected again with the coronavirus or affect your immune system's response to the coronavirus vaccination. Etesevimab is still under study, and the full risks of bamlanivimab have not been determined.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Etesevimab and bamlanivimab are given in one dose. There is no daily schedule for Tesevimab.

What happens if I overdose?

A medical environment would treat an overdose quickly.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications, such as vitamins and herbal products, may also affect etesevimab. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.