The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld™ (tixagevimab and cilgavimab). Evusheld is a potent new COVID-19 protective measure (monoclonal antibody) designed to prevent COVID-19 infection in vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals who may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.
In immunocompromised patients, a vaccination may not generate enough immune response, so they are still vulnerable to severe infection. Evusheld gives additional immunity to help prevent COVID-19.
Evusheld is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies, given in two consecutive injections in one visit to qualifying patients who do not have COVID-19.
UPMC also offers monoclonal antibody treatment for patients with COVID-19.
Patients who received Evusheld before February 28, 2022, would have received the previously recommended dose, which is a smaller dose than what is now recommended.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently updated its recommendation for the most effective dose of Evusheld to prevent a COVID-19 infection. Based on the most recent studies, the FDA is now recommending a larger dose of Evusheld.
The larger dose has been found to be safe, while further raising antibody levels, giving even better protection against Omicron and its variants. Dosage recommendations change because scientists are using the latest study information to provide the best guidance.
The larger dose is recommended every 6 months. Repeat dosing should be timed from the date of the most recent Evusheld dose.
Participate in voluntary research study called PrEP C-19, for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in Immunocompromised Patients using the monoclonal antibody, Evusheld.
The current FDA has given an EUA for this medicine to be given to those with specific illness or medical situations which puts them at high-risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness.
Adults and pediatric individuals (12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds 40 kg):
Find out if you are considered an immunocompromised patient.
* Routine evaluation of vaccine response by antibody titer is not recommended. Evusheld is indicated for individuals at risk for vaccine non-response and seronegative despite three vaccine doses.
**This includes patients receiving corticosteroids at a dose equivalent to either ≥2 mg/kg of body weight or ≥20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent for persons who weigh >10 kg when administered for ≥14 consecutive days. This list does not include all medical conditions defined as moderately to severely immunocompromised, and people with rare medical conditions not listed may be appropriate for Evusheld and the vaccine schedule for immunocompromised individuals.
Contact your UPMC doctor or provider if you think you qualify for Evusheld. UPMC providers can refer you to a UPMC infusion center to receive Evusheld. Some providers are offering Evusheld in their clinics.
If you are a non-UPMC provider and would like to order the Evusheld administration for a patient under your care, and unable to place orders in UPMC’s electronic medical record, please:
NOTE: UPMC will no longer accept any prior referral sources.