How will I take this drug?

You only need to take the drug one time. It’s usually given at a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. The appointment will likely take around 2 hours, but may vary.

The treatment is an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means a nurse will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm. The drug will go directly into your blood for 21-60 minutes or longer. You will be monitored you for at least 1 hour afterwards.

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Does the infusion hurt?

With any infusion treatment, you may feel a pinch or sting when the needle first goes in, but the feeling often goes away after a few seconds. If you feel any pain during the infusion, tell the nurse right away.

After the infusion, some people may have pain, bleeding, bruising, soreness, or swelling in the place where the needle went in. In some cases, this may lead to more serious problems, like an infection.

If you’re not sure whether what you’re feeling after the infusion is normal, it’s always okay to call your doctor or the infusion center and check.

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What are the side effects?

Side effects can range from mild to serious and may include:

• Fever, chills, or sweating

• Nausea (upset stomach)

• Headache, muscle aches, or chest discomfort or pain

• Wheezing or shortness of breath (trouble breathing)

• Dizziness, low or high blood pressure, or fast or slow heartbeat

• Itching, rash, hives, or swollen lips, face, or throat

• Feeling weak, confused, or tired

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Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any side effects, or your symptoms get worse, during or after your infusion. Some of these side effects may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

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You may experience new or worsening symptoms after infusion, including fever, difficulty breathing, rapid or slow heart rate, tiredness, weakness or confusion. If these occur, contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention as some of these events have required hospitalization. It is unknown if these events are related to treatment or are due to the progression of COVID19.

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It is possible that bamlanivimab and etesevimab could interfere with your body's own ability to fight off a future infection of SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, bamlanivimab and etesevimab may reduce your body’s immune response to a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. Specific studies have not been conducted to address these possible risks. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

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These are not all the possible side effects of bamlanivimab and etesevimab. Not a lot of people have been given bamlanivimab and etesevimab. Serious and unexpected side effects may happen. Bamlanivimab and etesevimab are still being studied so it is possible that all of the risks are not known at this time.