Jackson, Tennessee – Phipps Pharmacy is one of the first pharmacies in the nation, and the first in Middle and West Tennessee, to offer monoclonal antibodies (mAb) as a treatment for COVID-19 at their locations.
Monoclonal antibodies have become a primary treatment for COVID-19 for those at high risk of developing worse symptoms.
As part of a new pandemic response program, the Department of Health and Human services has extended the authority to order and administer certain COVID-19 treatments, including mAb, to include pharmacists.
The monoclonal antibody treatment is a series of 4 injections administered in the fatty tissue just under the skin.
The injections, known as REGEN-COV, contain two different monoclonal antibodies, casirivimab and imdevimab; REGEN-COV has been authorized by the FDA for treatment of COVID-19 in adults and patients as young as 12, and for prevention of COVID-19 in some patients who have been exposed.
Treatment is available by appointment only, which can be scheduled by patients or their medical provider at the most convenient Phipps Pharmacy location. Appointments normally last about 90 minutes and take place in specially-designated Covid Treatment Units. Patients are encouraged to wear loose fitting clothing that provides access to the back of the arms and the stomach.
“The most common patients that we are currently treating are COVID positive and at risk of COVID becoming severe without treatment,” Dr. Jay Phipps said, “However, if someone who is at high risk is exposed to COVID and is not fully vaccinated, or their immune system may not work properly, then they are also a candidate for monoclonal antibody treatment.”
The week of Thanksgiving, Phipps Pharmacy Huntingdon began treating COVID patients, followed by the Jackson location shortly after; Phipps Pharmacy Waverly will begin administering mAb treatments the week of December 20.
In Jackson and Waverly, the Covid Treatment Units are located adjacent to the pharmacybuildings and are accessible from the parking lot. In Huntingdon, patients can access the Covid Treatment Unit at the rear of the building. Patients are asked not to enter the pharmacy at the main entrance to minimize exposure to other patients.
“Our local hospitals have done a phenomenal job providing treatment to our communities,” Dr. Phipps said. “My goal is to supplement their efforts and reduce their workload so they can focus on the sickest patients. Early treatment for the people at the highest risk can significantly reduce the number of patients that require hospitalization.”
