West Valley Medical Center is offering monoclonal antibody infusions to patients with high-risk factors who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The FDA has authorized the emergency use of certain monoclonal antibody therapies for the treatment of COVID-19 under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The therapy is intended for treatment of mild to moderate positive COVID-19 adult and pediatric patients over the age of 12 who are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 or hospitalization. This includes individuals over 65 years of age or who have certain chronic medical conditions such as:
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppressive disease
- Heart disease
In children, sickle cell disease, congenital heart disease, neurodevelopmental disorders and asthma are among the additional considerations for eligibility.
“Offering monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 may help outpatients avoid hospitalization while also reducing strain on our healthcare system,” says Dr. Richard Augustus, chief medical officer, West Valley Medical Center. “The treatment can lower COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths for high-risk COVID-19 patients by as much as 70 percent.”
“We have already seen great results from this treatment,” said Nancy Weikel, infusion therapy nurse, West Valley Medical Center. “As part of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare, West Valley Medical Center is committed to providing leading-edge patient care as part of our mission focused on the care and improvement of human life.”
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules that can help the immune system recognize and respond to the virus, making it more difficult for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to replicate and cause harm.
Patients must obtain an order from a physician. Those who meet the criteria for treatment will receive information on how and where to schedule an intravenous infusion treatment on an outpatient basis at West Valley Medical Center.
Patients eligible for therapy will receive one dose by intravenous infusion. Approved patients must continue to self-isolate after treatment and use infection control measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing and hand sanitation. Monoclonal antibody treatment is not a substitute for vaccination.
Monoclonal antibodies are not authorized for use for patients who:
- Are hospitalized due to COVID-19
- Require oxygen therapy due to COVID-19
To learn more, speak with your physician or call the West Valley Infusion Center at (208) 453-4245.
