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OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – In a 6 News exclusive, we’re learning more about how at least one patient feels after receiving the FDA-cleared COVID-19 drug, offered by CHI Health for just over a week now.
Experts are still studying Bamlanivimab, but a woman from Lincoln says she felt better the day after receiving a transfusion.
“I would say definitely go for it,” said patient Laura McLeod.
When doctors told McLeod that she had qualified for the COVID-19 drug Bamlanivimab, she was skeptical. She would be one of the first four to receive the investigational drug at CHI Health St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln.
McLeod says it took a day to feel positive results.
“Almost immediately, then on Sunday, I felt like I hadn’t even been sick,” she said.
CHI Health doctors have administered 61 doses of the drug across Nebraska and Iowa since November 20. Manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company claims that the drug’s artificial antibodies limit the amount of virus in the body.
“Bamlanivimab is the best product we currently have to give to patients at high risk for the vaccine. Hopefully when it becomes available it will eventually replace this therapy, but at this point it’s the best we have, especially for active infections, ”said David Schmidt, director of clinical pharmacy services at CHI Health .
Patients like Laura qualified because they were considered high risk and referred by a doctor. If you test positive for COVID-19 and referred by your primary care provider, you may receive a dose before hospitalization.
“There’s always that fear of complications and of ending up in the hospital,” McLeod said.
The Lincoln School teacher says the side effect of a little headache every now and then is worth saving her a trip to the hospital because of COVID-19.
“I am very thankful that we have decided to go ahead and do this,” she said.
A spokesperson for CHI Health said patients who receive the infusion should always follow quarantine guidelines. For a mild infection, the health system says it means 10 days of quarantine and no fever for 24 hours.
Bamlanivimab fact sheet.
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