My Daughter Receives Evusheld to Protect Against COVID-19
The FDA made the investigational prophylaxis medication available in 2021
Every six months, my daughter Grace and I go to the children’s hospital for her Rituxan (rituximab) infusions. This has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for Grace after she was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome at age 15.
The Rituxan infusions are usually preceded by an appointment with Grace’s rheumatologist, who is the prescribing physician for the infusions. The rheumatologist has mentioned several times in the past year that Grace would be an excellent candidate for Evusheld (tixagevimab copackaged with cilgavimab), an investigational prophylaxis medication for the prevention of COVID-19. To receive Evusheld, a person must not be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and must be moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive treatments.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization to make Evusheld available in early December 2021, we have found it very difficult to obtain.
In the past year, Grace has had two referrals and prescriptions for Evusheld, but both times, the infusion centers were unable to schedule appointments due to a lack of supply.
Success at last!
Finally, during Grace’s latest rheumatology appointment, we were told that she could receive Evusheld shots during her next Rituxan infusion.
These infusions usually last between eight and nine hours, with a 30-minute observation period at the end. On the day of her latest infusion, the nurse told us that Grace would receive a dose of Evusheld during the observation period at the end of the infusion.
The procedure was similar to receiving a vaccine. Evusheld is given as two intramuscular injections, normally, one after the other. However, Grace’s nurse offered to have both shots administered at the same time so Grace opted for that.
Overall, it didn’t hurt any more than a simple prick of the needle. Grace said it didn’t burn or sting like other vaccines sometimes do. Plus, she hasn’t had any adverse effects.
I hope Evusheld will help to spare Grace the experience of fighting yet another bout of COVID-19. She has already had it twice, and she struggled to fight it off. Both times, she required monoclonal antibodies to fight the illness.
Evusheld may be a good option for the immunocompromised in their fight against COVID-19. We will keep you posted on Grace’s progress.
Note: Lambert-Eaton News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lambert-Eaton News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Lambert-Eaton myasthenia syndrome.
About the Author
Anngail Norris
I had Evusheld in June 2022. I was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2004 and had been treated with Rituxan several times. When I was diagnosed with LEMS in 2020, my oncologist and neurologist agreed that Rituxan infusions as a prophylactic was a good idea. In June 2022, I again had Rituxan infusions. By that time I had already had Covid vaccines. I had the SARS spike protein bloodwork which showed that even with the 4 doses of vaccine, my Covid antibody count was so low that it didn’t even register on the charts. I think it was .82, whatever that means. So I got the Evusheld injections. A month later my primary doctor repeated the blood test and my level was 571.7. So I had Covid antibodies now. Then in October 2022, I got Covid. It was a mild case. I was mostly just very tired and couldn’t eat. I don’t know if it would have been worse if I hadn’t had Evusheld. We’ll never know.
Lori Dunham
I am glad to hear that when you did get Covid it was a mild case. We can never be sure but I am glad Evusheld is available to those immune compromised.