Name of the Procedure:

Injection of Casirivimab and Imdevimab, 1200 mg
Common name: Antibody Cocktail Injection
Technical term: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19

Summary

Casirivimab and Imdevimab injection is a treatment involving two monoclonal antibodies specifically formulated to combat the COVID-19 virus. This treatment is administered through an intravenous injection.

Purpose

This monoclonal antibody treatment is designed to help prevent the worsening of COVID-19 in patients who are at high risk for severe disease. The primary goal is to reduce the viral load in the body, thereby decreasing the likelihood of hospitalization and severe health outcomes related to COVID-19.

Indications

This procedure is recommended for patients who:

• Have tested positive for COVID-19.
• Are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions such as obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or an immunocompromised state.
• Experience mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

Preparation

• No fasting or special preparations are required.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any allergies or medications they are currently taking.
• Patients may undergo a COVID-19 test to confirm infection before receiving treatment.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated comfortably, and vital signs are monitored.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into a vein.
3. Casirivimab and Imdevimab, combined into a single dose of 1200 mg, is administered slowly through the IV over a period of about 20-50 minutes.
4. The patient is monitored for an hour after the infusion to check for any immediate adverse reactions.

Tools and equipment: IV infusion kit, monitoring equipment
Anesthesia or sedation: Not typically required

Duration

The administration of the drug typically takes between 20 to 50 minutes. An additional hour for post-infusion monitoring is recommended.

Setting

This procedure is performed in various settings such as:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Specialized infusion centers

Personnel

The treatment is administered by:

• Registered nurses
• Physicians specializing in infectious diseases or emergency medicine
• Clinical support staff

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Mild infusion reactions (fever, chills, mild rash)

Rare risks:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Potential worsening of COVID-19 symptoms

Complications are managed with immediate medical intervention, including medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Benefits

• Reduction in the risk of hospitalization and severe complications from COVID-19.
• Rapid decrease in viral load.
• Most patients begin to feel improvement within a few days of treatment.

Recovery

• Post-procedure, patients can generally return home but must follow COVID-19 isolation guidelines.
• The patient should rest and hydrate well.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Alternatives

Other treatments for COVID-19 include:

• Antiviral medications (e.g., Remdesivir)
• Corticosteroids (for severe cases)
• Supportive care (oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation in severe cases)

Each alternative has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on individual patient factors.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel a slight prick at the IV insertion site. The infusion process is generally painless though some may experience mild discomfort or chills. Afterward, most patients feel well enough to continue their normal activities but are advised to monitor for any adverse reactions and to seek medical attention if necessary. Pain management measures are not typically required but over-the-counter pain relievers can be used if needed.