Sotrovimab
About
Sotrovimab belongs to the group of monoclonal antibodies used in the post-exposure treatment of mild to moderate respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 in people older than 12years weighing at least 40kgs. Sotrovimab is indicated in non-hospitalised cases of COVID-19 that are at risk of progressing to severe disease.
Sotrovimab contains Sotrovimab that binds to the spike protein of the virus. Thereby, blocks the spike protein of the virus from attaching to the human receptor cell, thus arresting the progress of the disease.
A qualified healthcare professional will administer Sotrovimab. Do not self-administer. Sotrovimab may cause certain common side effects such as hives and rash at the injection site, and diarrhoea. 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.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Sotrovimab is not authorised for use in patients who are hospitalised, who require oxygen therapy, and in those who require an increase in baseline oxygen flowrate due to COVID-19. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Uses of Sotrovimab
Medicinal Benefits
Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody used in the post-exposure treatment of mild to moderate respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 in people older than 12years weighing at least 40kgs. Sotrovimab contains Sotrovimab that 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 body to cause infection. Sotrovimab binds to the spike protein of the virus. Thereby, blocks the spike protein of the virus from attaching to the human receptor cell, thereby arresting the progress of the disease. Hence, Sotrovimab finds use in preventing the progression of mild to moderate Covid cases to severe cases requiring hospitalisation. Thus, Sotrovimab finds use in reducing rates of hospitalisation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sotrovimab
- Diarrhoea
- Redness
- soreness
- 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 or sickle cell disease. Offer a detailed medical and vaccination history. Inform the doctor especially if you are on any radiotherapy, immunosuppressant drugs, blood thinners or any other medicines or herbal supplements. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding. Sotrovimab is not meant for use as vaccination. Sotrovimab is not authorised for use in patients who are hospitalised, who require oxygen therapy, and in those who require an increase in baseline oxygen flowrate due to COVID-19.
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 Sotrovimab. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Sotrovimab on pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Sotrovimab on nursing. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Sotrovimab affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Sotrovimab in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Sotrovimab in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Sotrovimab in children below 12years have not been established. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
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 fruit for enhanced immunity.
- Do not forget to take your Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C supplements every day as these are essential for the body and 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 Sotrovimab, do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medicines without consulting the doctor.
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
Sotrovimab 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.
Only an RT-PCR test can determine whether or not you have COVID. While a loss of smell has been noted as a common symptom, the new variant does not cause a loss of smell.
Not enough literature exists to ascertain the effects of Sotrovimab on fertility. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Remdesivir is an antiviral that functions to kill the virus. On the other hand, Sotrovimab blocks the virus from attaching to the cells of the body. Thereby, prevents progression of the disease.
Vaccines stimulate the body to make its own antibodies against infection. On the other hand, monoclonal antibodies deliver lab-made antibodies against the virus. Most vaccines are used to prevent infection. Sotrovimab is used as a post-exposure treatment tool in mild to moderate forms of the corona disease.