ALEXANDRIA, La. — Rapides Regional Medical Center now offers monoclonal antibody infusion for COVID-19 positive patients at its HP Long facility in Pineville.
At this time, the Bamlanivimab (BAM), is available for high-risk patients age 18 and older with a physician’s order and a positive COVID-19 test.
"Our goal is to help these high-risk patients by decreasing the severity of their COVID symptoms and reducing the chance that they might be hospitalized," said David Rhodes, M.D., Rapides Regional Medical Center's Chief Medical Officer.
Patients eligible for this emergency use authorization infusion include patients 18 and older who:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 35
- Have chronic kidney disease
- Have diabetes
- Have immunosuppressive disease
- Are currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
- Are 65 years or older
- Are 55 or older and have cardiovascular disease, hypertension or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/other chronic respiratory disease.
This treatment is not approved for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 or for those who require oxygen therapy for COVID-19.
Patients can ask their physician about this treatment if they fall under one of the previously listed categories. Infusions must be scheduled through a physician office.
"At this time, we are scheduling infusions Monday through Friday at our HP Long facility in Pineville," said Irene Alexandre, RN, HP Long Clinics Manager. "We know our community is in need of this type of treatment and will add treatment slots to our schedule as needed."
Monoclonal Antibody Infusion at HP Long is only available with a physician's order.
About Rapides Regional Medical Center
Rapides Regional Medical Center is a 380-bed acute care hospital located in Alexandria, La., providing healthcare on a higher level for families in approximately 16 central Louisiana parishes. Our mission is to provide high quality, efficient and compassionate health care services for our patients and community through the efforts of our employees, physicians and volunteers.
Rapides Regional Medical Center has provided state-of-the-art, comprehensive medical services to our community for more than 117 years. Our campus is home to Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital, Rapides Cancer Center, Rapides Outpatient Center, Rapides Regional Trauma Center, 51-bed emergency department, NICU, PICU and ICU. Find out more about the services offered at Rapides Regional Trauma Center.