Bamlanivimab
About
Bamlanivimab belongs to the group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of mild to moderate respiratory illness caused by COVID-19. Bamlanivimab is used in non-hospitalised cases of COVID that are at risk of progressing to severe disease. Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It can range from a mild cold to a serious form of pneumonia.
Bamlanivimab contains Bamlanivimab that works by blocking the spike protein of the virus from attaching to the human receptor cell, thereby arresting the progress of the disease.
A qualified healthcare professional will administer Bamlanivimab. Do not self-administer. In some cases, Bamlanivimab may cause certain common side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, pain and soreness at the injection site. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you suffer from HIV, asthma, cancer, liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, neurodevelopmental disorders or sickle cell disease. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had any surgery. Avoid Bamlanivimab in case of recent procedures such as gastrostomy, tracheostomy or positive pressure ventilation. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Uses of Bamlanivimab
Medicinal Benefits
Bamlanivimab is a monoclonal antibody used in the post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of mild to moderate disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Bamlanivimab works by using monoclonal proteins to imitate the natural defence mechanisms of the body. The COVID virus contains a capsid with spike proteins, through which it penetrates into the cells to cause infection. Bamlanivimab binds to the spike protein of the virus and blocks the virus from attaching to the human receptor cell, thereby arresting the progress of the disease. Hence, Bamlanivimab prevents the progression of mild to moderate covid cases. Thus, Bamlanivimab finds use in reducing rates of hospitalisation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bamlanivimab
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Redness, soreness or pain at the injection site
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from HIV, asthma, cancer, liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, sickle cell disease, or if you have recently had any surgery. Avoid Bamlanivimab in case of recent procedures such as gastrostomy, tracheostomy or positive pressure ventilation. Offer a detailed medical and vaccination history. Discuss any recent vaccinations with the doctor. Inform the doctor especially if you are on any radiotherapy, immunosuppressant drugs, blood thinners, any other medicines or herbal supplements. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with Bamlanivimab. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Bamlanivimab on pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Bamlanivimab on nursing. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Bamlanivimab affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert after taking Bamlanivimab.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Bamlanivimab in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Bamlanivimab in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionBamlanivimab is not recommended for children below 12years and those weighing below 40kgs.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep a healthy state of mind. Fear is one of the biggest causes of decreased immunity. See a therapist when you feel overwhelmed.
- Meditation, music and yoga have also proven very effective in helping with mental health.
- Keep yourself at a safe distance from people.
- Always sneeze or cough into your elbow and keep a handkerchief on you.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and keep yourself clean.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy. Load up on Vitamin-C rich citrus fruits for enhanced immunity.
- Do not forget to take your Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C supplements every day as these are essential for immunity.
- Steam inhalation for 3-5 minutes every day and salt-water gargle with warm water has been proven very effective in keeping respiratory infections at bay and in promoting health.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as dehydration is often seen in pneumonia.
- Taking a stroll in the garden, or spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Avoid tobacco use as smoking hampers lung health and makes breathing even more difficult.
Special Advise
- In case of a fever or rash following Bamlanivimab, do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medicines without consulting the doctor.
- Bamlanivimab is not meant for use as vaccination.
- Bamlanivimab is not meant for use in severe hospitalised cases or in patients on mechanical ventilation/high flow oxygen.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from a mild cold, cough and fever to full-blown pneumonia. Coronavirus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the surface of the pathogen. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person’s cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of coronavirus disease are dry cough, tiredness, breathlessness, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, body pains, headache, and sore throat.
FAQs
Bamlanivimab works by inducing an antibody response in the body by instilling monoclonal antibodies that mimic the natural defences of the body and block the spike protein of the virus from attaching to body cells, thus arresting the progression of the disease.