See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Pemgarda Infusion treatments.
Pemgarda is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:
For the pre-exposure prophylaxis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40kg):
• Who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who have not had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 and:
• Who have moderate-to-severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments and are unlikely to mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination
What is Pemgarda?
Pemgarda (pemivibart) is an FDA-approved medication that is authorized for use for pre-exposure prophylaxis to help prevent COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
Pemgarda is a type of medicine called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is taken to prevent COVID infection. Anyone with COVID – or who has a known recent exposure to someone with a COVID infection – cannot take Pemgarda.
Pemgarda Infusion Dosage & Administration
Patients receive Pemgarda intravenously. Treatment time for a Pemgarda infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts roughly 60 minutes. You will be observed by a healthcare provider during your infusion and for at least two hours after your infusion is finished.
You may need to receive additional doses of Pemgarda for ongoing protection from COVID-19. Viruses can change over time and develop into a slightly different form of the virus, called a variant. Based on what we know about current SARS-CoV-2 variants, you may need to receive additional doses of Pemgarda every three months.
Administering Pemgarda via IV Infusion
- The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle.
- Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape.
- The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication.
Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals.
Pemgarda Side Effects
As with all medications, side effects are possible.
The most common side effects of Pemgarda include an allergic or infusion related reaction. IVX Health will monitor you for allergic reactions during the infusion and for at least two hours after you receive Pemgarda.
Preparing for Your Pemgarda Infusion
Follow these steps to prepare for your Pemgarda Infusion:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
- Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
- Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-Infusion Medications
- Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Pemgarda Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
- Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
- Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.
Prepare for Comfort
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
- Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.
Plan for Transportation
- Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Pemgarda Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
How to Get a Referral for Pemgarda
Every Pemgarda Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.
Patient information should include:
- Name
- Current address
- Home and mobile phone number
- Insurance information
Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:
- Patient’s name and DOB
- Order date
- Diagnosis
- Physician’s name and NPI#
- Office address, phone, and fax numbers
- Provider’s signature
Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:
For the pre-exposure prophylaxis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40kg):
• Who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who have not had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 and:
• Who have moderate-to-severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments and are unlikely to mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination
If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Pemgarda treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.
Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Pemgarda treatments because:
- ALL private suites
- Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
- Evening & weekend appointments
- Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
- Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks
Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?
Interested?
IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.
