Great Plains Health in the North Platte area is among the first in Nebraska to administer a new drug that prevents COVID-19 hospitalizations. The FDA authorized “emergency use” of Bamlanivimab in the treatment of the virus last week.
Great Plains Health Pharmacy Director Jason North said the drug has very low side effects and is highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and worsening of the disease.
“This drug is just a very promising light now at the end of this dark pandemic tunnel, to be able to treat this early on," he said.
North said the 10 or so patients treated with one-hour intravenous infusions felt much better within a day. The drug produces a specific antibody toward coronavirus and prevents the virus from attaching to the lung tissue.
Right now, Great Plains Health is only supplying the treatment to outpatients or those who do not need hospitalization. Patients should contact their primary care providers to find out if they are eligible.