The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of our lives, hasn't it? We now know a lot about this virus. For some people, it comes and goes like a common cold, but for others, the disease can be more severe. Especially for the elderly, or those with other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, the risk is a little higher. So, today we are going to talk about a special treatment that doctors give to patients who, even if they are not hospitalized, have a chance of getting severe symptoms of COVID-19. That is the vaccine called Sotrovimab.
What exactly is Sotrovimab?
Simply put, Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody . Okay, okay, does that sound a bit complicated? Let's break it down like this.
When our bodies get sick, our immune system makes things called 'antibodies' to fight that illness. These antibodies are like specially trained soldiers who know exactly who the enemy is and attack him. Sotrovimab is like that, but it's a synthetic antibody made in a lab specifically to fight the Covid-19 virus.
The main purpose of this drug is to stop the symptoms from getting worse in people who are infected with COVID-19 but are at high risk of developing severe disease. This means that this drug may reduce the risk of hospitalization.
Importantly, this drug is not fully approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). However, it has been authorized for emergency use to save lives in emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is extremely important to be clear about these matters with your doctor before deciding whether this treatment is right for you.
- If you have any allergies (to anything, such as medications, foods, dyes, preservatives, etc.).
- About other serious illnesses you have (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer).
- If you have previously received a Covid-19 vaccine .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
- If you have previously had an allergy to Sotrovimab or another monoclonal antibody.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether to give you this treatment or not.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
Sotrovimab is not a medicine you can take home. It is an intravenous injection . That means it is given in a hospital or clinic by a nurse or doctor, just like a saline solution.
Generally, this medicine can be given to children over 12 years of age in certain cases, on the special recommendation of the doctor. However, only the doctor can decide on this.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given by a medical professional so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of the medicine, go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Can there be problems with other medications?
This medicine may interact mainly with COVID-19 vaccines . It is very important that you are fully aware of this.
After receiving Sotrovimab treatment, you should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine for at least 90 days. If you have already received the first dose of the vaccine, you should wait 90 days after receiving Sotrovimab treatment before receiving the second dose.
Don't forget to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Sotrovimab can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Tell your doctor immediately as these can be serious. |
| Infusion-related reactions | Chest pain or tightness, chills and fever, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Abnormal increase or decrease in heart rate. |
| Changes in blood pressure | Increased or decreased blood pressure (dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling like you're going to fall). |
| Difficulty breathing (Wheezing) | Whistling sound when breathing, shortness of breath. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Pain at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Sotrovimab is a special drug given to people at risk of severe COVID-19 disease to prevent the disease from getting worse.
- This is an injection given intravenously and is only given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
- Before undergoing treatment, you must tell the doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking.
- After taking this medicine, you must wait at least 90 days before getting a Covid-19 vaccine.
- If serious side effects (difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, chest pain) occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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