With the COVID-19 pandemic, we've started hearing a lot about new medications and vaccines, haven't we? Some of the names are a bit complicated, so it's normal to have a few questions. Today we're talking about one such specific drug, a drug called Casirivimab. This is an attempt to simply answer some of the questions you may have about it.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Casirivimab is a drug that belongs to a special class of drugs called 'Monoclonal Antibody'. Imagine, when our body gets a disease, something called 'antibodies' are produced inside our body to fight it? Well, this is a special type of antibody that is artificially produced in a laboratory.
It is used in combination with another monoclonal antibody to treat COVID-19 patients who are not hospitalized . It is also sometimes used to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. It is especially given to people who are at risk of developing severe symptoms if they get COVID-19. The hope is that this drug will reduce the severity of the disease and the likelihood of hospitalization.
Importantly, this is not a fully approved drug by agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it has been granted Emergency Use Authorization for emergency use in emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. It is essential for your safety. Be sure to tell them about the following in particular:
- About any allergies you have (that is, allergies to other medications, foods, dyes, etc.).
- If you already suffer from another serious medical condition .
- If you have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine .
- If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
- If you have had any unusual reactions to Casirivimab or any other medicine in the past, please tell us about it clearly.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is given in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision. There are two ways it is given:
1. Giving something like saline into a vein (infusion into a vein).
2. Injected under the skin.
Your doctor will decide what is the most appropriate method for your situation.
Do you give this to children?
This medicine can be prescribed to children over 12 years of age, but in special cases, it is recommended. However, the final decision is made by your child's doctor. Therefore, if you are giving this to a child, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician .
What if the dose of the medicine increases?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed on this medicine in any way, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine and after you stop taking it. If your symptoms do not improve or seem to get worse , tell your doctor right away.
This is very important: Do not get a COVID-19 vaccine for at least 90 days after taking this medicine. If you have already received the first dose of the COVID vaccine, you should wait at least 90 days after taking this medicine before getting the second dose. Talk to your doctor about this and get clear advice. This is because there may be interactions between this medicine and the vaccine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are important to be aware of, while others are not so serious.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Infusion-related reactions | Chest pain or tightness, chills and fever, flushing, stomach pain, difficulty breathing. |
| 🙂 Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea | The tendency to vomit after taking medicine. |
| Injection site discomfort | Pain, redness, or slight swelling at the injection site. |
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Casirivimab is a drug containing a specific antibody (monoclonal antibody) produced in a laboratory for COVID-19.
- This is only given under medical supervision in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your allergies and medical conditions.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms (skin redness, difficulty breathing) during or after administration of the medicine, notify immediately.
- If you take this medicine, you must wait at least 90 days before getting a Covid-19 vaccine.
- This article provides only a summary. Always consult your doctor for the most accurate advice specific to your situation.
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