In the ongoing battle against the pandemic, it’s important to have a variety of weapons in the medical arsenal. HBJCrestwoodLogo

The Delta variant has clearly demonstrated that vaccines alone might not be enough in the war against COVID-19. Although vaccines have been highly effective for many, acquiring the breakthrough COVID has been a real concern, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Marshall Robbins: “We’d really like to see them get it within those first five or six days, that’s when it’s most effective.”

In late 2020, The Food and Drug Administration approved monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19. The antibody therapy is authorized for emergency use only and is mainly intended to prevent severe disease in high-risk patients who have tested positive for the virus.

Since the FDA’s authorization, studies have shown that the monoclonal antibodies could reduce COVID-related hospitalizations. For individuals recently diagnosed with COVID-19, monoclonal antibody therapy may help prevent hospitalization or worsening symptoms.

Crestwood Medical Center began offering the antibody protocol soon after approval and has observed positive results.

“We’re averaging about 18 a day,” said Marshall Robbins, director of Pharmacy at Crestwood. “We’ve seen about a 70-80% decrease in hospitalizations for patients who receive it and it’s very well-tolerated.”

Crestwood has administered close to 900 monoclonal antibody infusion treatments to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. The antibody is administered via a one-time IV infusion or four injections – one injection into each arm and leg.

“We have heard from many of our patients that they started feeling significantly better within 24-48 hours after treatment,” said Dr. Pam Hudson, Crestwood’s Chief Executive Officer. “I have no doubt that we have kept many, if not hundreds, from being admitted to the hospital. This is another tool in our toolbox and one we are grateful to have to serve our community.”

Monoclonal antibody therapy is approved for patients who have tested positive for COVID and within 10 days of the onset of symptoms.

Patients with a chronic health problem that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19 are approved for the antibody therapy, as well. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, and other conditions that may hinder a healthy immune response are included. Age is also a risk factor and those greater than or equal to 65 years of age also qualify. Patients ages 12 and over can receive the antibodies if they fit the risk criteria.

All patients must participate in care and follow-up post-infusion with their health care provider.

Time is of the essence. It’s not something that’s a wait-and-see after testing positive for COVID. While most people wait a week to see if they start feeling better, it’s vital to seek treatment as soon as they receive a positive test result.

“We’d really like to see them get it within those first five or six days, that’s when it’s most effective,” said Robbins. “The guidelines are within 10 days of symptoms; but we want to catch it as soon as possible.”

Crestwood Medical Center is administering the monoclonal antibody treatment with a physician’s order.

For information, visit crestwoodmedcenter.com