Therapeutics Standing Orders

SWSO IV REGEN_COV Final signed 1.5.22

SWSO IV Sotrovimab Final signed 1.5.22

SWSO SQ REGEN_COV Final signed 1.5.22

SWSO IV BAM-ETE Final signed 1.5.22

Surveillance Data Beyond the DHHS Dashboard

We previously shared a link to CLI (COVID Like Illness) data that contains more detailed information than what is offered on the State’s dashboard. This data is updated every Tuesday by 4pm and can be found here.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (mAb)

Summary document of mAb therapy: Monoclonal Antibody Summary.

Use this link for more detailed information regarding mAb. *Please note: the published rates may not apply to Medicaid and the uninsured. We are currently working to verify this.

DHHS has provided the following fliers to communicate with your patients regarding the availability of mAb (whether you are administering the therapy or not) mAb Patients English    mAb Patients Spanish

NOTE As of 9/10: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  has executed a ninth amendment to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act Declaration that expands the pool of professionals now covered under the Act for the administration of COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Specifically, the recent amendment includes coverage of licensed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy interns when administering COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapeutics orally, through intramuscular injection, or through subcutaneous injection.

Medication Warnings:

North Carolina DHHS Ivermectin Notice – final

NCDHHS requests communications assistance around Invermectin:

Due to a recent spike in prescriptions for ivermectin (an antiparasitic drug), related poison control calls and emergency room visits, NCDHHS is informing all providers that ivermectin is neither approved nor authorized by the FDA to treat or prevent COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has determined there is insufficient data to recommend for or against ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. Exercise caution when prescribing this drug outside of authorized treatment avenues.

We need your help. Please educate your patients about the risks of using ivermectin without a prescription and the potential risks of use for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Talking points for providers are included in this communication. Further information is available in the CDC Health Advisory on Ivermectin Use to Prevent or Treat COVID-19.

Talking points for Clinicians and Public Health Practitioners:

• The FDA has not authorized or approved ivermectin for preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans or animals.
• Current data are inconclusive whether ivermectin is effective against prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Clinical trials are in progress to determine what clinical benefit, if any, ivermectin may offer in treating COVID-19.
• Taking large doses of ivermectin, even if prescribed, can be dangerous.
• Never use medications intended for animals on yourself or other people. Animal ivermectin products are very different from those approved for humans. Use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is dangerous.
• Signs and symptoms of ivermectin toxicity include gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea), headache, blurred vision, dizziness, tachycardia, hypotension, visual hallucinations, altered mental status, confusion, loss of coordination and balance, central nervous system depression, and seizures. (See page 3 of the CDC Health Advisory on Ivermectin Use to Prevent or Treat COVID-19.) If patients report they have taken ivermectin and are experiencing symptoms, advise them to immediately seek medical treatment and to call the North Carolina Poison Control Center (NCPCC) hotline (1-800-222-1222).
• Monoclonal antibodies are authorized by the FDA and recommended by the NIH for treatment and post-exposure prevention of COVID
• COVID-19 vaccination is approved by FDA and is the safest and most effective way to prevent getting sick and protect against severe disease and death from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
• Patients, especially those who are unvaccinated, should continue practicing common public health protocols, including social distancing, washing hands, and wearing a mask. Ivermectin for COVID-19 Guidance
  The NIH has determined that there is insufficient data to recommend for or against ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19.
  On August 26, 2021, CDC issued a CDC Health Advisory on Ivermectin Use to Prevent or Treat COVID-19.
• The FDA has issued a statement on Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19.
• Prescribers and pharmacists can check with their licensing agency about expectations regarding prescribing or filling prescriptions for ivermectin. o www.ncmedboard.org o www.ncbon.com o www.ncbop.org
• Complaints can also be made to NC DHHS using the covidcomplaints@dhhs.nc.gov address

COVID-19 Planning Resources

• Instructions for Completing the COVID-19 Response Plan Template
• COVID-19 Response Plan Template
• Infectious Disease Outbreak Planning Checklist