Bebtelovimab is usually administered in a clinical setting, which includes a hospital, infusion center, or any healthcare facility. It is administered via an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning that the infusion is directly delivered into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV line.
Dosage: The approved dose of Bebtelovimab for COVID-19 treatment is 175 mg, administered as a single IV infusion. However, the infusion time can be anywhere from 30 minutes up to a certain extent.
Administration: An IV infusion is administered by a healthcare provider after consideration of whether the patient should receive treatment. The IV infusion should be provided in a clinical setting so that any adverse effects and complications can be monitored immediately.
Indications: Bebtelovimab is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19, hospitalization, or death.
Bebtelovimab works by neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which will ensure the virus cannot attach to the cells of a healthy human. The replication cycle is arrested because it will be stopped from entering the healthy human cell, and therefore its propagation can be terminated. A component of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike is vital for the attachment to the human cells. In binding, this antibody causes blockage such that the interaction with ACE2 receptor cannot take place in the surface of several human cells, among which includes cells in the respiratory tract.
The moment Bebtelovimab binds to the spike protein, the virus cannot enter the cells and gets neutralized. This reduces the viral load in the body, decreases the severity of symptoms, and helps prevent further complications or hospitalization. By inhibiting the virus’s ability to infect cells, Bebtelovimab effectively mitigates the course of the disease, particularly in individuals who are at high risk of severe COVID-19.
Like every medication, Bebtelovimab can also cause side effects. These side effects, however, are not universal and generally mild. Some of the common side effects of Bebtelovimab include:
Allergic reactions may include rash, itch, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Although rare, severe allergic reactions may occur. Medical attention should be sought immediately.
Infusion reactions are possible because Bebtelovimab is administered by IV infusion. Patients may experience reactions at the infusion site or generalized reactions such as fever, chills, or muscle aches during or shortly after infusion.
Nausea or Vomiting: Some patients will experience nausea or may even vomit after getting the infusion.
Headache: Mild headache is also considered to be a side effect of the treatment.
Fatigue: Tiredness or fatigue may occur because of the body’s reaction to the medication.
Infusion Reactions: Patients treated with Bebtelovimab should be monitored for infusion-related reactions during and after the administration of the drug. The infusion should be stopped immediately in case of a serious reaction, and appropriate treatment provided.
Allergic Reactions: As is true with other monoclonal antibodies, Bebtelovimab can cause allergic reactions. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to monoclonal antibodies should inform their health care provider before receiving the medication.
Renal and Hepatic Function: No specific contraindications regarding the renal and hepatic functions are related to Bebtelovimab. However, it is always important to assess the patient’s general condition and renal and hepatic function before administering any drug.
Use in Children: Bebtelovimab is approved for use in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with certain criteria for high risk of severe COVID-19. It should be used cautiously in younger children and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
The typical dose of Bebtelovimab is 175 mg, administered as a single intravenous infusion. It is usually given over a period of approximately 30 minutes and then the patient is observed for about 1 hour for signs of adverse reactions or side effects.
When administered early in the course of the disease, ideally within 7 days of symptom onset, bebtelovimab is most effective in preventing the progression of symptoms and reducing the risks associated with severe illness.
Bebtelovimab is available under Emergency Use Authorization, meaning it has not been approved by the FDA for full use but can be prescribed during the COVID-19 pandemic to eligible patients. It is available only by prescription and should be administered in a clinical setting by trained healthcare professionals.
Patients who think they may be qualified for treatment with Bebtelovimab should consult their healthcare provider to determine whether they are eligible for its use.
1. What is Bebtelovimab?
Answer: Bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody designed to treat COVID-19 by neutralizing the virus and preventing it from infecting human cells.
2. How does Bebtelovimab work?
Answer: Bebtelovimab binds to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, preventing it from entering and infecting human cells.
3. What is the approved use of Bebtelovimab?
Answer: Bebtelovimab is used for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients at high risk for severe disease.
4. Who can receive Bebtelovimab?
Answer: It is intended for individuals aged 12 and older who test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe illness.
5. How is Bebtelovimab administered?
Answer: Bebtelovimab is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion, typically in a healthcare setting.
6. What are the potential side effects of Bebtelovimab?
Answer: Common side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, and infusion-related reactions, but severe allergic reactions may occur.
7. How quickly does Bebtelovimab work?
Answer: Patients may begin to feel improvement in symptoms within a few days after receiving the infusion, but this can vary.
8. Is Bebtelovimab effective against COVID-19 variants?
Answer: Bebtelovimab has shown effectiveness against certain variants, but its efficacy may vary with emerging strains of the virus.
9. Can Bebtelovimab be used in vaccinated individuals?
Answer: Yes, Bebtelovimab can be used in vaccinated individuals who develop COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe disease.
10. Are there any contraindications for using Bebtelovimab?
Answer: Bebtelovimab should not be administered to individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the product.
11. How long is Bebtelovimab effective in the body?
Answer: The duration of effectiveness can vary, but the antibody concentrations gradually decline over time after infusion.
12. Can pregnant or breastfeeding individuals use Bebtelovimab?
Answer: The use of Bebtelovimab in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, weighing benefits against potential risks.
13. How does Bebtelovimab compare to other COVID-19 treatments?
Answer: Bebtelovimab is one of several monoclonal antibodies available for COVID-19 treatment, each with specific indications and efficacy against various variants.
14. Is Bebtelovimab a cure for COVID-19?
Answer: Bebtelovimab is not a cure but can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent hospitalization in high-risk patients.
15. Can Bebtelovimab be used preventively?
Answer: Currently, Bebtelovimab is not indicated for preventive use; it is meant for treating existing COVID-19 infections.
16. How is Bebtelovimab stored?
Answer: Bebtelovimab should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and protected from light; it must not be frozen.
17. What should patients do if they miss their Bebtelovimab infusion appointment?
Answer: Patients should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule the infusion.
18. Where can Bebtelovimab be obtained?
Answer: Bebtelovimab is available at certain hospitals, infusion centers, and specialty pharmacies that provide COVID-19 treatments.
19. Are there ongoing studies involving Bebtelovimab?
Answer: Yes, ongoing studies continue to evaluate the effectiveness of Bebtelovimab against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and in various patient populations.
20. How does one access treatment with Bebtelovimab?
Answer: Patients should consult with their healthcare provider for guidance on eligibility and access to Bebtelovimab infusion therapy.