- Given as therapy by themselves. These are known as naked monoclonal antibodies.
- Made into radioactive particles and given as therapy along with another drug. These are known as conjugated, tagged, loaded or labeled monoclonal antibodies.
- Modified to attach to and so, then attack two specific antigens at the same time. These are known as bispecific monoclonal antibodies.
Monoclonal antibodies have been used to make drugs that have been more successful at treating certain diseases, such as some cancers. They are also more precise than other treatments, which helps improves the effectiveness and can reduce side effects.
If you’re getting treatment for the first time, it is wise to bring someone. He or she can help you learn about the procedure and what to expect. During your first treatment, healthcare providers will look for any type of serious allergic reaction.
Your healthcare provider may decide to prescribe a monoclonal antibody that’s given subcutaneously (injected under the skin). In this case, he or she will teach you how to give yourself a shot, often in your abdomen or upper thigh.
Not sure if monoclonal antibodies are right for you? Talk with your healthcare provider. He or she can help you decide if you’ll benefit from this type of therapy.
For more information on monoclonal antibodies, visit Up the Antibodies.