UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovations’ direct-to-patient digital health platform, HealthNow, has expanded its scope to meet the needs of Arkansans. Led by Stacy Petty, APRN, the HealthNow team is now arranging monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-positive patients all while keeping up with the high demand for COVID-19 screenings and general healthcare services. The monoclonal antibody treatment is NOT a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine. Preventative measures such as getting the vaccine, is still preferred as the first line of defense over treatment. Vaccinated individuals are eligible to receive the monoclonal antibody treatment.
What is monoclonal antibody treatment?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved monoclonal antibody treatment for emergency use against COVID-19. Contrary to the initial antibody treatment introduced at the beginning of the pandemic, through convalescent plasma infusions, monoclonal antibody treatment is laboratory-made antibodies and not antibodies produced from other persons that previously had the coronavirus. This treatment does not contain any live SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)1. It does serve to reduce the amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the body and provides the body a boost to produce more antibodies.
Who should receive this type of treatment?
Patients testing positive for COVID-19 with symptoms for 10 days or less, especially those at higher risk for hospitalization, treatment may help. In addition, the FDA has authorized the use of this treatment, for emergency use, on those exposed to COVID-19 that are immunosuppressed.
Below are a few risk factors that could increase your risk for hospitalization if you get covid-19:
- Body Mass Index of 25 or greater
- Pregnancy
- Underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, chronic kidney disease, etc.)
- Immunosuppressive diseases
“While the battle against the coronavirus pandemic continues, HealthNow’s digital platform offers virtual visits allowing patients across the state of Arkansas to receive assistance with treatment. HealthNow’s nurse practitioners are working tirelessly to provide Arkansas patients with educational and emotional support through this COVID-19 health crisis.”
For more information on HealthNow, please visit: https://uamshealth.com/healthnow/
For more information on monoclonal antibody treatment, please visit: https://combatcovid.hhs.gov/i-have-covid-19-now/monoclonal-antibodies-high-risk-covid-19-positive-patients
Sources:
- Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). Monoclonal antibodies for high-risk COVID-19 positive patients. combatCOVID.hhs.gov. https://combatcovid.hhs.gov/i-have-covid-19-now/monoclonal-antibodies-high-risk-covid-19-positive-patients. Published August 9, 2021. Accessed August 10, 2021.
