Is there anyone in your family who has had a kidney transplant, is undergoing cancer treatment, or is elderly? They may be more susceptible to COVID-19 if they get it? Their immune systems may be weakened, so they may not respond well to the COVID-19 vaccine. Today, we're talking about a special medicine that can help protect people like them from getting COVID-19.
What is this medicine called Evusheld (Tixagevimab; Cilgavimab)?
Simply put, this is a drug that is given to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. This is especially important for people who do not respond well to the COVID-19 vaccine due to a weakened immune system, or for those who cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine for some reason.
This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies . Just think, our bodies have things called 'antibodies' to fight diseases, right? Well, these are artificial antibodies that have been created in the laboratory specifically to fight the COVID-19 virus. When these are given to the body, if the virus enters, they fight it, reducing the risk of the disease becoming serious and hospitalization.
The important thing is, this is not a treatment for someone who already has COVID-19. This is a drug that is given to prevent the disease.
This drug has even been approved for emergency use (Emergency Use Authorization) by the FDA in the United States. This means that it has been allowed to be used under certain conditions in special situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history before deciding whether this medication is right for you. Be sure to inform him/her about the following:
| Information you need to provide | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| About any allergies you may have. | To assess the risk of developing an allergy to this medicine or any of its ingredients. |
| About your heart disease . | Because this medication can affect some heart conditions, it is very important to assess the risk. |
| If you have a bleeding disorder . | Because this is an intramuscular injection, special care should be taken in those who are at risk of bleeding. |
| If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine , its details. | This information is important because there should be a time gap between taking this medicine and the COVID-19 vaccine. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a nursing mother . | You should discuss the safety of this medication with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| About all other medications , vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking. | To check if this medicine may interact with other medicines. |
How is this medicine given?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is given by a medical team in a hospital or clinic . The two medicines, Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab, are given as two separate injections at the same time into a muscle in the body (intramuscularly). The muscles in the buttocks are usually used for this.
After the vaccination, you will need to stay under medical supervision for about an hour to check for any allergic reactions.
What if I overdose?
This is administered by a medical team, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that this has happened in any way, report it to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If your doctor has scheduled a repeat dose for you, it is very important to attend that appointment. If for any reason you are unable to attend, contact your medical team immediately and reschedule.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, this can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Serious symptoms that should be reported immediately to your doctor or the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) | |
|---|---|
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Heart Attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, feeling cold, or fainting. |
| Symptoms of Heart Failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual fatigue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, fainting, chest pain. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Mild or moderate headache. |
| Tiredness / Fatigue | Unusual tiredness. |
| Cough | New cough. |
| Discomfort at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms in addition to these, please talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Evusheld (Tixagevimab; Cilgavimab) is a medicine used to prevent COVID-19, not to treat the disease.
- This is especially provided to those with weakened immune systems or those who cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- This medicine is given as two injections in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision.
- It is imperative to inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially heart disease and allergies, before taking the medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe allergic symptoms or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- Because this is a specialized medication, always act only on the advice of your doctor.
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