Pemgarda infusions provide vital pre-exposure protection against COVID-19 for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and may not respond adequately to vaccines. This monoclonal antibody therapy strengthens the body’s defenses by supplying lab-made antibodies, helping high-risk patients reduce their risk of infection and feel safer in their lives.
What Are Pemgarda Infusions?
Pemgarda infusions are an investigational monoclonal antibody therapy authorized under the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to help protect immunocompromised patients from COVID-19. Given through an IV infusion in a medical setting, Pemgarda provides pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by supplying lab-made antibodies that block the virus from entering cells. This treatment is meant for individuals 12 years and older who may not respond adequately to vaccination, offering an important safeguard against infection.
What Can Pemgarda Infusions Help With?
Pemgarda infusions are formulated to help protect immunocompromised individuals from developing symptomatic COVID-19 by preventing the virus from entering and infecting healthy cells. This therapy is particularly important for people whose weakened immune systems may not respond effectively to vaccines. Pemgarda may also support recovery in certain patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who lack access to other treatments.
Some of the symptoms it can help reduce include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue
- Congestion or a runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
How Do Pemgarda Infusions Work?
Pemgarda infusions use lab-made antibodies, known as monoclonal antibodies, to give your body extra protection against COVID-19. These antibodies recognize and attach to the spike protein on the surface of the coronavirus. By blocking this spike protein, Pemgarda helps prevent the virus from entering healthy cells and spreading throughout the body.
For individuals who are immunocompromised, vaccines may not generate sufficient natural antibodies to combat the virus. Pemgarda fills that gap by supplying ready-made antibodies, giving your immune system the support it needs. This reduces the chance of developing symptomatic COVID-19 and provides added peace of mind for high-risk patients.
Am I a Candidate for Pemgarda Infusions?
If you are concerned about your risk for COVID-19, Dr. Cohen and his expert team will carefully evaluate your candidacy for Pemgarda infusions. During your consultation, they will review your medical history, current medications, and immune status to determine if this preventive therapy is right for you. Generally, you may be a suitable candidate for Pemgarda infusions if you:
- Are moderately to severely immunocompromised
- Are 12 years or older and weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg)
- Have a medical condition or treatment that weakens your immune system
- Are unlikely to respond adequately to the COVID-19 vaccination
- Cannot access or use other FDA-approved COVID-19 treatment options
Pemgarda Infusions FAQs
What Happens During the Pemgarda Infusion Session?
When you arrive for your appointment, your provider at Cohen Medical Centers, led by Dr. Cohen, will prepare you for the infusion. Pemgarda is administered intravenously, meaning it’s delivered directly into your vein through an IV line. The infusion itself takes about 60 minutes to complete. After the infusion, you’ll remain under observation for at least one additional hour to ensure there are no allergic or infusion-related reactions.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks?
As with any medical treatment, Pemgarda infusions may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Since this therapy is administered intravenously, your provider will carefully monitor you during and after your infusion to ensure your safety.
Some of the more common side effects you may experience include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Cold or flu-like illness
- Infusion site reactions (redness, swelling, soreness)
In addition to common side effects, there are potential risks that require careful monitoring:
- Severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis)
- Infusion-related reactions such as fever, chills, or rash
- Blood pressure changes
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
What is the Frequency of Treatments?
You will typically receive Pemgarda as a single intravenous infusion, which takes approximately one hour. If you are using it for COVID-19 prevention, your provider may recommend repeat infusions every 90 days. This schedule helps maintain consistent antibody protection.
Pemgarda Infusions in Thousand Oaks, Ca
Cohen Medical Centers is led by Dr. Cohen, a dual-certified expert in internal medicine and rheumatology with extensive experience in patient care. As a lead researcher on multiple clinical trials, Dr. Cohen stays at the forefront of innovative therapies, ensuring his patients receive cutting-edge treatments, including Pemgarda. Schedule your consultation today to learn if Pemgarda infusions are right for you.
