This past week Dr. Paul McKinley prescribed Monoclonal Antibody treatment for one of his patients who tested positive for COVID-19. The patient had underlying risk factors for progression to a more severe case of COVID-19 which qualified them for this unique therapy. The patient received the 60 minute IV treatment in their home soon after testing positive for COVID-19. They are now steadily improving at home, and did not require hospitalization.
Have you had COVID-19 and been told there is no treatment or anything that can be done unless you are sick enough to require hospitalization?
The FDA has given an Emergency Use Authorization for monoclonal antibody treatment with a medication called bamlanivimab for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. This is an IV treatment that would take 60 minutes to administer, and would be done right in your own home.
This treatment was shown in clinical trials to reduce COVID-19 hospitalization or emergency room treatment in patients at high risk for complications within 28 days after treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses.
To qualify for the treatment, a patient must have a positive COVID-19 test, be within the first 5-10 days of symptoms, and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- 65 years of age or older
- A body mass index (BMI) of >35
- Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Has an immunosuppressive disease
- Is receiving an immunosuppressive treatment
OR
Is 55 years of age or older AND have Cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure, or Chronic Lung disease (Asthma, COPD)
This is a free treatment as part of a national program and we have established a few different avenues for how we can get this therapy for our patients.
If you would like to see other benefits of a membership at Elevated Health and how we’re different, visit us at www.elevatedhealth.md or call/text us at 714-916-5210.