Forum Extended Care Pharmacy was recently included in an expert discussion on “The ABCs of mAbs: Monoclonal Antibody Therapies for COVID-19 Bring Promise, but Limitations Remain” in Caring for the Ages magazine.

Early evidence suggests that mAbs treatment can reduce the viral load — the amount of coronavirus in a person’s body — which may lead to milder symptoms and help speed recovery. Quantum Age client, Johnson Abraham, PharmD, BCGP, director of clinical services at Forum noted, “The mAbs can only be administered in settings where health care providers have immediate access to medications to treat a severe infusion reaction, such as anaphylaxis, and the ability to activate the emergency medical system, as necessary.”

The key is to get mAbs started as quickly as possible before the virus progresses in the patient. Dr. Abraham said, “The longer you wait, the more likely the patient will need oxygen therapy if they’re not on it, or if they are on it currently, they will need more. At the same time, the longer you wait to begin treatment, the more likely it is that symptoms will worsen.”

Caring for the Ages is published monthly by AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Click here to read the full article.