bamlanivimab / etesevimab

On January 24, 2022, the FDA revised the emergency use authorization (EUA) for Bamlanivimab due to the COVID-19 omicron variant. This medication doesn't work against omicron, which is currently the main variant in the U.S. Because of this, Bamlanivimab is no longer authorized for use in the United States at this time. The FDA might revisit Bamlanivimab's authorization in the future if COVID-19 infections are caused by a variant that can be treated with this medication.

Bamlanivimab is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, bamlanivimab and etesevimab. Bamlanivimab and etesevimab bind to certain receptors on the virus that causes COVID-19. This blocks the virus from attaching to and entering your body's cells to cause infection. By stopping the process of infection, Bamlanivimab can help treat and prevent COVID-19 symptoms.

There's a chance that Bamlanivimab won't work against all COVID-19 variants (different versions of the virus due to changes in its genetic material). Some COVID-19 variants might be resistant to Bamlanivimab, which means the medication won't work to treat the virus. If you tested positive for a specific COVID-19 variant (meaning you're infected with a particular version of the COVID-19 virus), let your provider know. They can determine if Bamlanivimab would be an appropriate treatment option for you.

The FDA previously authorized Bamlanivimab for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people (including young children and newborns) who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. This includes people who're at high risk of being hospitalized or dying. There are several factors that put a person at high risk for developing severe COVID-19, including age, weight, and current medical conditions. It's best to speak with your provider as soon as possible so they can determine if you're at high risk of severe COVID-19 and if you'd qualify for this treatment.

The FDA previously authorized Bamlanivimab for post-exposure prevention of COVID-19 in people (including young children and newborns) who're at high risk of severe COVID-19. You can qualify for this treatment if you're not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or if it's thought that your immune system won't build up a strong enough response to COVID-19 vaccinations and you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are at high risk of being exposed to someone with COVID-19 (e.g., people living in nursing homes or a prison).