Sotrovimab
PrintWhat is it?
Sotrovimab (brand name; Xevudy®) is a synthetic (manmade) antibody. It binds to the spike protein that sits on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. It works by blocking the way the virus enters cells, and it can also help your body to clear infection.
Benefits
What are the benefits of sotrovimab in pregnancy?
Sotrovimab is used in unvaccinated people who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness. It lowers the risk of being admitted to hospital, and of dying due to COVID-19.
Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Severe COVID-19 has been linked with a higher risk of babies being born too early, which can result in serious problems for the baby after delivery and in later life. There is also a higher risk of stillbirth. Synthetic antibodies like sotrovimab help your immune system to fight the virus, lowering the risk of severe illness.
Risks
Are there any risks of using sotrovimab in pregnancy?
Synthetic antibodies have been used in pregnancy for many years. They are routinely used to prevent conditions like rhesus disease (anti-D injections).
Sotrovimab is a newly developed medication and has not yet been tested in pregnancy. However, because sotrovimab only binds to the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus, and does not bind to proteins that are made by the developing baby or placenta, it is not thought to be harmful to the baby.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to sotrovimab in pregnancy?
Yes. Other drugs can help prevent severe COVID-19 infection in those who have tested positive. One of these (casirivimab/imdevimab, brand name; Ronapreve®) is a mix of two synthetic antibodies which bind very specifically to the COVID-19 virus. As with sotrovimab, it is thought unlikely to be harmful in pregnancy.
Molnupiravir, is an antiviral medicine that can stop early COVID-19 infection from developing into serious illness. It is taken in tablet form by people with a positive COVID-19 PCR test and mild to moderate symptoms who are at risk of severe COVID-19. Unfortunately, there are concerns that it could be harmful to the developing baby, and it is not recommended in pregnancy. For more information, please see here.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly encouraged for all pregnant women in the UK. It can reduce the chance of infection and help to prevent serious illness, and may reduce the need for other medicines. For more information, please see here.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to have any treatment in pregnancy?
Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness, which has also been linked with a higher risk of premature delivery and stillbirth. Your doctor will only offer medicines to treat COVID-19 when absolutely necessary and will be happy to talk to you about any concerns that you might have.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.