How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This combination medication contains 2 active ingredients: tixagevimab and cilgavimab. This medication belongs to the class of medications called Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein monoclonal antibodies.
It is used to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus for individuals 12 years and older weighing at least 40 kg, who either have a weakened immune system or for whom vaccination is not recommended. It may also be used to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection for individuals 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg.
When a person is infected with the COVID-19 virus, the virus attaches to healthy cells using the spike proteins. The virus then infects the healthy cell. Tixagevimab-cilgavimab works at 2 different areas on the virus spike protein to prevent the virus from attaching and infecting human cells.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
This medication is available in 2 separate vials.
Tixagevimab
Each mL of sterile solution for injection contains 100 mg of tixagevimab. Nonmedicinal ingredients: L-Histidine, L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for injection.
Cilgavimab
Each mL of sterile solution for injection contains 100 mg of cilgavimab. Nonmedicinal ingredients: L-Histidine, L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and water for injection.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to tixagevimab-cilgavimab or any ingredients of the medication.
How should I use this medication?
To prevent infection by COVID-19, the recommended dose is 300 mg of tixagevimab and 300 mg of cilgavimab injected by your doctor into a muscle, one medication injected immediately after the other.
To treat a mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection, the recommended dose is 300 mg of tixagevimab and 300 mg cilgavimab injected by your doctor into a muscle, one medication injected immediately after the other.
Depending on which variants of COVID-19 are most common in your area, your doctor may choose a different dose of this medication.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive tixagevimab - cilgavimab contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
This medication should be stored in the refrigerator, protected from light and moisture.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to tixagevimab-cilgavimab or any ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- chills
- headache
- rash or hives
- pain, redness, itching, or swelling where the injection was given
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- signs of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs, ankles, feet)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Heart Problems: Some people who have received tixagevimab-cilgavimab have experienced heart problems, including heart attack and heart failure. Most of those who were affected already had a heart condition and it is not clear whether this medication contributed to the worsening heart conditions. If you experience symptoms of heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating) or heart failure (e.g., swelling in legs ankles or feet, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue) contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Medication Failure: On occasion, this medication will fail to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection because the virus is continually changing. Symptoms of COVID-19 infection include fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 infection or your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are or may be pregnant, make sure your doctor is aware.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if tixagevimab-cilgavimab passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age, or those older than 12 years and weighing less than 40 kg.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between tixagevimab-cilgavimab and any of the following:
- COVID-19 vaccines
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over the counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Evusheld
