How does sotrovimab work?
Sotrovimab helps to treat COVID-19 by sticking to a protein on the surface of the virus called the spike protein. This stops the virus from getting into your lungs and causing an infection.
This can also help your body fight the virus and help you get better faster.
When will I feel better?
Sotrovimab works best when it's taken as soon as possible after you've had a positive COVID-19 test and within 5 days of your symptoms starting.
Everyone has a different experience of COVID-19, especially if you have risks for getting severe disease. Sotrovimab will increase the chances of you having a milder infection and help your body recover more quickly.
How effective is sotrovimab?
If you have mild or moderate COVID-19, evidence shows that sotrovimab is very effective at reducing your risk of severe symptoms and you may not need hospital treatment.
How do other medicines for COVID-19 compare?
Sotrovimab is a neutralising monoclonal antibody (nMAb).
There are other treatments for COVID-19 which work in a different way. There are 3 antiviral medicines which stop the COVID-19 virus from growing and spreading:
- nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid) comes as tablets
- remdesivir (Veklury) is given as a drip, usually into your arm (infusion)
- molnupiravir comes as capsules. It treats mild to moderate COVID-19 but it has not been tested in people with severe symptoms who need treatment with oxygen
None of these medicines are a substitute for COVID-19 vaccines. It's very important you still have these.
Will it affect my contraception?
It's important not to have sex or close contact with anyone while you have COVID-19 as you may pass the infection on to them.
Sotrovimab is not known to stop any contraception from working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
If you're being treated for COVID-19, you must stay at home to avoid passing the infection on to other people.
Some people feel dizzy after having sotrovimab. This may make it more difficult to concentrate and react.
If you feel dizzy after your treatment, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while having sotrovimab. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol with it?
It's not yet known if alcohol affects sotrovimab.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
There is no food or drink you need to avoid before or after having sotrovimab.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated if you have COVID-19.