What Is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy?

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (mAb treatment) is designed to help prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms from developing in high-risk patients as well as reduce hospitalizations and viral loads.

Monoclonal antibodies are man-made antibodies that are designed to mimic human antibodies in the immune system. Their job is to recognize a specific component of a virus and help prevent it from entering your cells. The monoclonal antibodies made for COVID-19 are designed to recognize the spike protein on the outer shell of the virus. When this spike protein is targeted, it interferes with the virus’ ability to latch onto and enter a human cell, thus giving your body a much-needed boost while creating its own response to the virus.

We at Glow Aesthetic Center are offering in-home monoclonal antibody therapy to the Tarzana area including Encino and Sherman Oaks. We are dedicated to helping slow the spread of COVID-19 and getting our community back on its feet.

Please note that while this therapy is extremely effective, it cannot act as a replacement for vaccination.

Who can get it?

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is available to those who

• Are at high risk* for developing COVID-19
• Have a positive COVID-19 test and not admitted to a hospital
• Are not fully vaccinated
• Are fully vaccinated but immunocompromised
• Are 12 years or older and at least 88 pounds

*High risk includes the following:

• 65 years of age or older
• Overweight (BMI over 25)
• Pregnant people
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Weakened immune system
• Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
• Chronic lung disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Medical-related technological dependence

How is it different from the vaccine?

The difference between a Monoclonal Antibody Therapy treatment and the vaccine lies with whether or not the patient has contracted COVID-19. The vaccine adapts your immune system in preparation for the virus; it does not prevent an individual from contracting COVID-19, while monoclonal antibodies give your immune system the tools necessary to prevent the virus from spreading once you have been exposed to it. This treatment is highly effective in infected or exposed individuals for this reason.

This does not mean the vaccine is unnecessary. The vaccine offers protection for much longer than mAb therapy, which essentially becomes ineffective after one month.

What to expect

The mAb treatment is administered through an intravenous infusion or shots. Depending on how it is administered, you can expect the treatment to last 2-3 hours. You will be given an IV that delivers the mAbs into your body. This takes about an hour (less if mAbs are delivered through shots). Once you have received the treatment, you will need to stay for one hour for observation. This is to ensure there is no allergic reaction or negative side effects from the treatment.

It is important to self-isolate for several days after treatment. You can come out of isolation when:

• A minimum of 10 days has passed since your first COVID-19 symptoms
• You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine
• You are no longer experiencing other COVID-19 symptoms, or said symptoms have improved

Possible side effects

Monoclonal Antibodies do not contain any live part of the COVID-19 virus, so there is not a risk you will get COVID-19 from mAb therapy. However, there is risk of side effects and allergic reaction during or after treatment.

Side effects/allergic reactions include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Low or high blood pressure
• Chest discomfort/pain
• Rapid or slow heart rate
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Wheezing
• Swelling of the lips, face or throat
• Rash including hives
• Itching
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Sweating

It is important to note that these are not the only possible side effects of the mAb treatment. Possible risks from antibody treatment include:

• Interference with your body’s ability to combat future infections of the COVID-19 virus
• Reduction of your body’s immune response to COVID-19

Is it right for you?

If you feel you are in need of monoclonal antibody therapy, we at Glow Aesthetic Center are here to help. Please call our office at (818) 905-8815 to schedule your in-home treatment to get your immune system ready to fight off this virus.