AdventHealth opens lifesaving monoclonal antibody infusion center for high-risk COVID-19 patients

COVID-19 patients in Tampa Bay now have the option to receive another innovative new treatment, as AdventHealth has opened a clinic offering monoclonal antibody therapies. The 18-chair outpatient infusion unit, located in Hillsborough County, is treating adult patients with the monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab.

The treatment is intended for those who have developed COVID-19 symptoms within the past 10 days, are not hospitalized or on oxygen, but are at high risk for progressing to a more severe case. To qualify, patients must also have a high-risk factor such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity and have a doctor’s order. If a patient is 65 or older, they must simply have a positive COVID-19 test within the 10-day symptom window.

In clinical trials, bamlanivimab was shown to reduce hospitalization and ER visits in patients at high risk for developing a more severe case of the disease.

The monoclonal antibodies are the latest in a suite of innovative treatments offered by AdventHealth, including remdesivir, sarilumab, dexamethasone and convalescent plasma.

“We have worked very hard to offer this treatment to the most vulnerable in our community,” said Dr. Rainer Chan, Chief Medical Officer of AdventHealth Medical Group. “By expanding the number of clinical infusion sites, we’re making it easier for people to boost their natural response to COVID-19 and potentially fight off the virus.”

AdventHealth hospital locations in Dade City, Sebring, Tampa, Tarpon Springs and Zephyrhills also currently offer monoclonal infusion treatments for patients who meet the criteria. All locations require a COVID-19 positive result and a doctor’s order.

Other important items to note:

• The infusion requires one dose and will be given by IV infusion.
• Patients receiving the drug will be required to stay on site for at least one hour following the one hour infusion to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Most reported side effects are mild and include dizziness, muscle pain and headache. AdventHealth urges patients with more severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.

For more information about the monoclonal treatment and how to schedule an appointment, call Call321-235-6185.

About AdventHealth West Florida Division

The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nation’s brightest medical minds making life-saving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as five freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Brandon ER, AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, AdventHealth TimberRidge ER, and AdventHealth Westchase ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including specialty acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy, home care, mobile mammography and more. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth, and for West Florida Division, click here.