What you need to know about the Casirivimab vaccine (injection) for COVID-19

We have all been living with the Covid-19 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic for a while now, haven't we? During this time, we have heard a lot about each and every treatment method and vaccine. So, today we are going to talk about a special treatment that is given to some people who are at risk of severe Covid-19. That is a drug called Casirivimab. You may have heard this name. Let's see what it is, who it is given to, and how it is given simply.

Simply put, what is Casirivimab?

Casirivimab is a monoclonal antibody . Okay, the name sounds a bit complicated, doesn't it? Let's understand it this way. When our body gets sick, our immune system makes things called ' antibodies ' to fight it. This Casirivimab is like that, but it's a synthetic antibody made in a lab specifically to fight the Covid-19 virus.

This is used in combination with another monoclonal antibody.

What is this used for?

• Treat those who are not hospitalized but have contracted COVID-19 and are at high risk of developing severe illness.
• It is also used to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Simply put, this drug is expected to stop the symptoms of COVID-19 from getting worse and reduce the risk of hospitalization.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before giving you this treatment, your doctor will ask you a few questions. It is very important that you explain these things clearly.

• If you have any allergies (for example, to dust, foods, other medications).
• If you have other serious medical conditions (e.g. diabetes , heart disease , kidney disease ).
• If you have already received the COVID-19 vaccine .
• If you have previously had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine, or to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant , or are expecting to become pregnant soon .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

This information will help the doctor a lot to treat you safely.

How is this medicine administered to the body?

This is not a medicine you can take home. It must be given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a healthcare professional .

This is provided in two main ways:

1. Giving something like saline into a vein ( infusion into a vein).

2. As an injection under the skin.

Your doctor will decide which method is best for you.

Do you give this to children?

Children over 12 years of age can be given this medicine in selected cases. However, there are special considerations to be taken into account, so it is essential to discuss your child's condition with a pediatrician .

What to do if you take too much medicine?

This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think this has happened to you, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) .

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

The medical staff will be monitoring your condition closely after taking this medicine. You should also be aware of these things.

• If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor immediately.
• This is very important: After taking this medicine, you must wait at least 90 days before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have already received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should wait 90 days after taking this medicine before getting the second dose.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.