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At Atrium Health, we’re pleased to offer monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy to treat COVID-19. This one-time infusion treatment has received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA. If you get sick with COVID-19, it can keep you from getting sicker and going to the hospital.

You might be eligible for monoclonal antibody therapy if:

  • You tested positive for COVID-19;
  • Your symptoms began in the past 7 days, and;
  • You have health conditions that put you at high risk

Talk to your doctor to see if monoclonal antibody therapy is right for you. Treatment is covered by health insurance, or free if you don’t have insurance.

Don’t have a doctor? Find a doctor or start a video visit. For help, call 704-468-8888

Prevention is still the best defense

If you catch COVID-19, monoclonal antibody therapy can keep you from getting really sick. But not getting COVID-19 is even better. The best defense is to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if you can. Wearing a mask, washing your hands and social distancing will also help keep you safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Not sick or exposed? Schedule your COVID-19 vaccine now.

IMPORTANT

If you have any of the following symptoms, please seek care at your closest emergency room and do NOT come for your infusion appointment:

  • Pain or pressure in the chest
  • Feel confused and not able to think clearly
  • Trouble breathing
  • Can’t wake up or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Swollen lips, face or throat
  • Wheezing (noisy breathing that may sound musical or like whistling)
  • A reading of less than 92% on home oxygen monitor

FAQs

Monoclonal antibody therapy, also called mAb therapy, is a treatment for COVID-19. It uses human-made proteins to help your body fight off the virus that causes COVID-19. It can help reduce life-threatening symptoms and keep you out of the hospital.
Monoclonal antibody therapy is a one-time treatment. It’s given by intravenous infusion, or IV. (An IV is a needle with a small plastic tube that’s placed into your vein.) If intravenous infusion isn’t an option for you, some patients are given the antibody treatment through a series of injections during a single visit.
You should plan on about 2 and a half hours for your treatment. We’ll need time to collect your vitals and review your health history. The infusion itself takes around 20 minutes. After the infusion, we’ll watch you for 1 hour.
Yes, you can still spread COVID-19 to others, so you’ll want to make sure you continue to:
  • Stay home.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Wear a mask when around others.
  • Social distance.
  • Not share personal items with those in your household.
  • Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces.
Research studies have shown that getting monoclonal antibody therapy can lower your risk of getting more severe COVID-19 symptoms and of being admitted to the hospital for COVID-19.
Side effects are not common, but bruising, slight discomfort and redness from the IV site can happen. This should go away within a few days.

There are providers who can check your reaction and treat any symptoms.

After your treatment, you’ll receive instructions and guidance on signs and symptoms to look for and who to follow up with.

No, just one treatment can keep you from getting sicker and going to the hospital.
Treatment is covered by health insurance, and if you don’t have health insurance, it’s free.
The CDC no longer requires patients to wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after the monoclonal antibody infusion. You can go to AtriumHealth.org/COVID19Vaccine to schedule your vaccine.
We ask that you do not eat while at your infusion appointment. You can bring water to drink.
We recommend you talk about the risks and benefits with your doctor.
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