Evusheld: A 4 Step Guide to The Latest COVID-19 Therapy!

COVID-19 has been bombarding humankind with new variants like omicron. While taking precautions and vaccination helps, even vaccinated people were diagnosed with omicron variant. Although getting vaccinated is the first defense, it is not going to be enough. Thinking what is the latest with COVID? Thankfully, researchers now have made a breakthrough in the form of antibody cocktail treatment - the latest COVID-19 therapy is evusheld with groundbreaking efficacy.

A monoclonal antibody or antibody cocktail for COVID is a combination of man-made antibodies that mimics natural antibodies and restrain coronavirus from infecting new cells. People who take the injection are 81% less likely to get ill with COVID-19. In a hospital study based in Mumbai, those administered combinations of two antibodies had to receive therapy only for 5 to 6 days. Besides, the post-injection fever subsided within 48 hours. This latest drug therapy for COVID-19 is cost-effective.

Read on to know about evusheld, an antibody cocktail treatment manufactured by AstraZeneca.

What is evusheld? 

Evusheld is a COVID-19 prevention medication authorized for emergency use by the FDA. It is a combination of tixagevimab and cilgavimab - two human monoclonal antibodies that are administered together. The medicine is not intended to replace vaccines but is given to those who cannot develop immunity through vaccines or those who are immunocompromised.

What is the dosage for evusheld? 

The recommended evusheld dosage is 150 mg of tixagevimab and 150 mg of cilgavimab. These two antibodies are administered as intramuscular injections at different sites, although the gluteal muscles are preferred. Patients need to be monitored for an hour post the injection. Evusheld can be given to the same person once every six months. However, there are a few eligibility criteria for monoclonal antibodies and it is administered to the following people:

• Individuals who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 such as those who have cardiac issues, diabetes, lung problems, and people who are obese, old, or pregnant 
• Adults and adolescents above the age of 12 years with a bodyweight of over 40 kg 
• Patients who do not require oxygen support during treatment

Evusheld should be given in an outpatient setting or before exposure to the infection. The dose should be avoided after exposure to other COVID-19 treatments or within two weeks post-vaccination. Note that an antibody test is not compulsory to receive evusheld. As far as the evusheld cost is concerned, a 3 ml evusheld intravenous solution of 150 mg/1.5 mL -150 mg/1.5 ml is priced around $10 in the United States [1]. However, the Evusheld cost data in India is still not clear.

Symptoms of omicron infection

What are the possible evusheld side effects? 

A clinical trial reported mild to moderate symptoms in 35% of people. Headache, cough, and fatigue were the most common side effects. Here is a list of some possible monoclonal antibodies covid side effects: 

• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Cough
• Rashes
• Itching
• Wheezing
• Muscle pain
• Low blood pressure
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling of lips, face, or throat

Following cardiac problems were reported during the treatment in people who have or had a history of heart disease: 

• Arrhythmia 
• Cardiac failure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Myocardial infarctions
• Coronary artery disease
• Cardio-respiratory arrest

How effective is antibody cocktail evusheld? 

Although evusheld does not eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19, it certainly reduces the severe clinical effects in people who are immunocompromised. In other words, it reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 complications. Evusheld had a 77% protection rate in its initial trial. However, AstraZeneca recently claimed that evusheld offers 83% protection over 6 months [2]. This is another huge milestone in the fight against COVID-19. 

Additionally, a preclinical study suggested that evusheld is effective against omicron virus. The efficacy shown by it also gives rays of hope in protecting those who do not respond well to vaccines including cancer patients. Wondering how long do monoclonal antibodies last? Well! These antibodies remain super active for a month, and somewhat effective for up to 6 months.

We have come a long way in our fight against COVID-19. Thanks to the scientists and researchers for tirelessly working on making our lives better. At present, much responsibility lies at your end to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. Take appropriate preventive measures and get vaccinated at the earliest if you have not already. Use the Vaccine Finder on Bajaj Finserv Health and book your slot with ease. You can also consult doctors of your choice or book lab tests on this platform.