On June 3, 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released the following advisory:
Summary
- With the ongoing threat of COVID-19, providers are encouraged to consider all options for COVID-19 treatment.
- The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies, combination therapies bamlanivimab plus etesevimab and casirivimab plus imdevimab, and sotrovimab for use in non-hospitalized patients (age>12 and weighing>40kg), with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease who are at high risk of progressing to severe disease and/or hospitalization.
- Bamlanivimab by itself no longer has an EUA as of 4/16/21, due to emerging data regarding SARS-CoV-2 viral variants’ resistance to this agent when used alone.
- It is recommended to administer these drugs as soon as possible after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, and within 10 days of symptom onset.
- Remdesivir continues to be the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who require supplemental oxygen.
- Dexamethasone, and its equivalent corticosteroids, continues to be recommended for hospitalized patients who require mechanical ventilation; the greatest improvement of survival is shown in this group, and to a lesser degree in hospitalized patients who require supplemental oxygen. If corticosteroids are contraindicated, baricitinib plus remdesivir may be used.
To read the full advisory, click here (this will take you to an external website).
