With the development of the monoclonal antibody infusions for COVID, and the ones involved in the PROVENT trial, is it likely or advisable that a patient pre-treat with Benadryl, steroids, etc., as we typically would for a “normal” monoclonal antibody infusion?

Ask the Doctor Question:

CLL patients tend to have reactions to monoclonal antibodies (my experience is with Rituxan) typically during their first infusion. With the development of the monoclonal antibody infusions for COVID, and the ones involved in the PROVENT trial, is it likely or advisable that a patient pre-treat with Benadryl, steroids, etc., as we typically would for a “normal” monoclonal antibody infusion?

Answer: If you have had a prior reaction to mAb treatments, you should talk with your healthcare provider about pre-treating. Otherwise, we are not aware (and have not anecdotally heard of) pre-treating with the medications you listed below being used as a common practice.