Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Available
NOW AVAILABLE
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Covid-19
Healthy Connections Community Health Network is now offering Regeneron (Monoclonal Antibody Treatment) for patients who believe they have been exposed to Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2). This treatment is successful in many patients who are considered high risk for severe Covid-19, including hospitalization or death.
Regeneron can be administered by intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. Patients should call our hotline at 479-437-3300 for more information. Referrals are being accepted from any provider, even if you are currently outside of the Healthy Connections Community Health Network.
Healthy Connections will be administering Regeneron both intravenously and subcutaneously at the following locations:
- 3604 Central Ave., Suite D, in Hot Springs
- 1100 N. University Ave., Suite 260, in Little Rock
- 136 Health Park Lane in Mena
- 900 Martin Luther King Blvd., Malvern
Additionally, Healthy Connections is now administering Regneron subcutaneously at the following locations:
- 1723 Malvern Ave., in Hot Springs
- 301 Professional Park Drive in Arkadelphia
- 534 Luzerne St., in Mount Ida
- 1206 West Collin Raye Dr., in De Queen
The Healthy Connections team will administer monoclonal antibodies with a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection in some cases. The IV infusion involves placing a needle in a vein and gradually sending the medicine through the IV and into the body. The infusion takes between 20 and 50 minutes. After the IV is removed, patients must wait at least one more hour so health care workers can watch for side effects or negative reactions. Intravenous infusion is recommended for patients who have tested positive for Covid-19. Subcutaneous injection is recommended for patients who have been exposed to Covid-19 or for whom the intravenous infusion is not otherwise feasible.
This is not a substitution for the Covid-19 vaccination. Call 888-710-8220 to schedule vaccination appointments at your nearest Healthy Connections Community Health Network location. Patients can learn more and schedule appointments by speaking to their Healthy Connections provider by calling our hotline at 479-437-3300. More information can be found at https://healthy-connections.org/monoclonal.
Monoclonal antibodies are synthetic versions of the body’s natural line of defense against severe infection — a therapy designed to send reinforcements for the immune system. The antibody treatment is meant for Covid-19 patients early in their infection and who are at high risk of getting even sicker, nipping infections in the bud before it puts people in the hospital. It can be used for breakthrough Covid-19 cases as well, regardless of symptoms. If a person has tested positive within the past 10 days, and they are at risk for getting sicker — like older patients, patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or obesity — the treatment is available.
How it works
The Healthy Connections team will administer monoclonal antibodies with a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous injection in some cases. The IV infusion involves placing a needle in a vein and gradually sending the medicine through the IV and into the body. The infusion takes between 20 and 50 minutes. After the IV is removed, patients must wait at least one more hour so health care workers can watch for side effects or negative reactions.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19, call us at 479-437-3300 to see if this treatment may be available to you.
FAQ
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies are just like your body’s antibodies but are selected for their strong ability to resist the virus. They are produced like medication and help your body fight illness. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization to permit monoclonal antibodies as a treatment option for Covid-19.
How are antibodies made?
Antibodies are proteins made by your body’s immune system that fight off infections, including infections caused by viruses. Your body can remember how to make antibodies if you are exposed to the same germ again.
How does monoclonal antibody treatment work?
After entering your body, monoclonal antibodies look for and attach to the spike protein that sticks out of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
When monoclonal antibodies attach to the spike protein, they can block the virus’s ability to enter cells — and slow down the infection.
Who is not eligible for this treatment?
Patients are not eligible for this treatment if they:
- Have been hospitalized due to Covid-19
- Require oxygen therapy due to Covid-19
- Require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to Covid-19 (and in those on chronic oxygen therapy due to underlying non-Vodi-19 related comorbidity)
- Have had symptoms for more than 10 days
- Weigh less than 88 pounds
What is the cost to patients?
In most cases, Monoclonal Antibody Treatment is done at no cost to patients. Healthy Connections will collect patient’s date of birth and social security number in order to bill this treatment to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
How to find out if you qualify and to receive monoclonal antibodies treatment
Potential patients can find out if they qualify by speaking to their Healthy Connections provider. Patients can also call 479-437-3300.
Healthy Connections is excited to announce its December 2021 Shining STAR employees of the month:
Please note the following holiday schedule and hours for Healthy Connections Community Health Network clinics from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. Call 888-710-8220 with questions or to schedule appointments.
Each month across the Healthy Connections Community Health Network, exemplary employees are nominated for this award for representing our Three Pillars: Excellence, Compassion, and Community. These pillars are considered heavily when choosing winners.
Congratulations go out to Healthy Connections, Inc., Chief Executive Officer Tony Calandro for being named to the 2021 Arkansas 250 list.