Evusheld

Generic name: Tixagevimab And Cilgavimab
Dosage form: intramuscular injection
Drug class: Antiviral combinations

Usage of Evusheld

Evusheld is an investigational medication that packages together in one carton two separate monoclonal antibodies - tixagevimab and cilgavimab.

Tixagevimb and cilgavimab are human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1κ) monoclonal antibodies produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using recombinant DNA technology. They are SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-directed attachment inhibitors.

The monoclonal antibodies in Evusheld work by binding to the spike protein on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This blocks the virus from being able to bind to ACE2 receptors, which is what enables the virus to invade your cells.

Evusheld is still being studied and is unapproved. It is, however, authorized for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) program. It was first authorized for use in the US in December 2021.

Evusheld side effects

Possible side effects of Evusheld include:

Allergic reactions. These can happen during and after receiving this medication. They can sometimes be serious or life-threatening. You may be at increased risk if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. Evusheld contains polysorbate 80, which is also similar to polyethylene glycol (PEG), an ingredient in some COVID-19 vaccines that some people react to. Your healthcare provider may consult with an allergy and immunology specialist before giving you this medication if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for allergic reactions during and for at least one hour after you receive Evusheld. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction during or after you receive this medication: trouble breathing or shortness of breath, hives, wheezing, chills, itching, tiredness or weakness, skin flushing, fast heart rate, sweating, chest pain or discomfort, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, you feel lightheaded or faint, swelling of your face, lips, mouth and tongue, and throat tightness.

Cardiac (heart) events: Serious cardiac adverse events have happened, but were not common, in people who received Evusheld in clinical trials. In clinical trials, more people with cardiac risk factors (including a history of heart attack) who received Evusheld experienced serious cardiac events than people who did not receive it. It's not known if these events are related to Evusheld or underlying medical conditions. Contact your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you get any symptoms of cardiac events, including pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest, arms, neck, back, stomach or jaw, as well as shortness of breath, feeling tired or weak (fatigue), feeling sick (nausea), or swelling in your ankles or lower legs.

The side effects of getting any medicine by intramuscular injection may include:

pain

bruising of the skin

soreness

swelling

bleeding or infection at the injection site

These are not all the possible side effects of this medication, which has not been given to a lot of people. Evusheld is still being studied so it is possible that all of the risks are not known at this time. Serious and unexpected side effects may happen.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. Report side effects to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 or call AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933.

Before taking Evusheld

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Evusheld will affect your unborn baby. Evusheld should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk for the mother and the fetus.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not know whether this medication passes into breastmilk or affects breastfed babies. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive Evusheld.

Relate drugs

How to use Evusheld

The dosage of Evusheld for emergency use is:

Initial dose: 300 mg of tixagevimab and 300 mg of cilgavimab administered as two separate consecutive intramuscular injections.

Dosing for individuals who initially received 150 mg of tixagevimab and 150 mg cilgavimab. For individuals who initially received 150 mg tixagevimab and 150 mg cilgavimab:

Initial dose ≤3 months prior: 150 mg tixagevimab and 150 mg cilgavimab.

Initial dose >3 months prior: 300 mg tixagevimab and 300 mg cilgavimab.

Repeat dose: 300 mg of tixagevimab and 300 mg of cilgavimab every 6 months. Repeat dosing should be timed from the date of the most recent Evusheld dose.

See the Full Prescribing Information for further information about Evusheld dosing.

Warnings

It is possible that Evusheld may reduce your body’s immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine, you should wait at least 2 weeks to receive Evusheld.

What other drugs will affect Evusheld

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Disclaimer

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