This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Casirivimab + Imdevimab is an antiviral drug that belongs to the class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. FDA approved it on November 21, 2020, for treating acute COVID-19 infection.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Casirivimab + Imdevimab are two recombinant human monoclonal antibodies that attach to a protein on the surface of the coronavirus called the ‘spike protein.’ This stops the virus from getting into your cells and causing an infection. They block the receptor binding domain (RBD) to the ACE2 receptor and prevent viral attachment to host cells. This can help your body to overcome the virus infection and may help you get better faster. 

Uses of undefined

Casirivimab + Imdevimab is available as an injection. It is used to treat patients with confirmed acute COVID-19 infection. It is also indicated to prevent acute COVID-19 infection. Acute covid-19 infection is caused by a virus called coronavirus. People can get COVID-19 through contact with another person who has the virus. 

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Casirivimab + Imdevimab is given as an infusion into your vein that lasts for 20 to 30 minutes, or it can be given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. This injection will be given to you by a doctor or nurse who is experienced in the use of this type of treatment. They will monitor you closely while you are being given this medicine. Do not self-administer this medicine.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This drug is indicated to cause severe hypersensitivity and infusion reactions like fever, difficulty breathing, reduced oxygen saturation, chills, fatigue, arrhythmia (e.g., atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia), chest pain or discomfort, weakness, altered mental status, nausea, headache, bronchospasm, hypotension, hypertension, angioedema, throat irritation, rash including urticaria, pruritus, myalgia, vasovagal reactions (e.g., pre-syncope, syncope), dizziness, and diaphoresis. Inform your physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after receiving the injection. 

Precautions

Do not take Casirivimab + Imdevimab if you are allergic to Casirivimab + Imdevimab or any other ingredients. This medicine can cause allergic reactions following the infusion or injection; notify your physician immediately if you face any of the infusion reactions. Before you take this injection, inform your doctor if you have been vaccinated against COVID infection. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before initiating the treatment.   

Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional, vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with Casirivimab + Imdevimab, reducing their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

Side Effects

The side effects of Casirivimab + Imdevimab are injection site reactions like swelling, redness, and infusion reactions such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling in the face, feet, and hands, and cough. 

Word Of Advice

Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you missed the dosing schedule, inform your healthcare professional immediately and reschedule. Self isolate and use infection control measures (eg, wearing mask, social distancing, avoid sharing personal items, clean and disinfecting “high touch” surfaces, and frequent handwashing). The most common side effects may include infusion-related reactions such as swelling in the hands, face, and feet, skin rash, breathing difficulties, cough, abdominal pain, and chest pain. Injection site reactions like swelling and redness at the injection site can also occur. 

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. fact sheet for health care providers emergency use authorization (eua) of regen-cov tm (Casirivimab with Imdevimab); (Revised January 2022.) Accessed May 22, 2023 https://www.fda.gov/media/145611/download
  2. Paroma Deb et al; An update to the monoclonal antibody as a therapeutic option against COVID-19, [Published on Apr 2021], [Accessed May 22, 2023] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590053621000197
  3. John P Manis; Overview of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, [Published on May 2021], [Accessed May 22, 2023], https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-therapeutic-monoclonal-antibodies#H395449287

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.