Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions to provide Lilly’s COVID-19 antibody treatment
Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions announced their available services for the infused medications bamlanivimab and etesevimab, also known as BAM.
When combined, bamlanivimab and etesevimab serve as a monoclonal antibody treatment authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in certain patients.
Eligible patients include adults and adolescents, those age 12 years old and older who weigh at least 88 pounds, and who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms or the need for hospitalization.
Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions were part of the original pilot program through a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Home Infusion Association.
The program provided safe and effective treatment to the most vulnerable population across the country, primarily servicing long-term care facilities. The bamlanivimab and etesevimab mixture is administered together as a single intravenous infusion and is now available to all eligible patients.
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While certain therapies and antiviral drugs used in hospitals work to inhibit the replication of the virus and shorten the course of the infection, bamlanivimab and etesevimab work to boost the patient’s own immune response to help fight the infection and prevent complications that would result in hospitalization. The antibody cocktail should be administered as soon as possible following a COVID-19 exposure or within 10 days of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis for best results.
"Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions are proud to be part of the COVID-19 response, positively impacting the lives of the communities we serve," said Kristin Williams, president of Amber Specialty Pharmacy and chief health officer at Hy-Vee.
Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions, have 21 locations throughout the U.S. All locations are licensed to administer the antibody treatment and are able to serve patients in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
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For more information about Amber Specialty Pharmacy and Hy-Vee Pharmacy Solutions’ COVID-19 response, visit their blog or email [email protected]. For all other inquiries, call (888) 370-1724, email [email protected] or visit here.