Scope

Our guidance covers receipt, storage and preparation of casirivimab and imdevimab using “pandemic packs”. Use of “pandemic packs” will be revised when alternative starting materials are available. We do not cover commissioning and eligibility; further advice is available in the CAS alert and subsequent CAS alert regarding use in hospitalised patients.

Expiry Changes January 2022

In January 2022, the MHRA gave permission for further shelf life extension for certain batches of both the 300mg (2.5ml) cartons and the 1332mg (11.1mL) cartons. SPS resources are currently being updated to reflect this change.

Chief Pharmacist responsibilities

Chief Pharmacist responsibilities for nMABs overall are covered in COVID-19 neutralising monoclonal antibodies and SPS support.

With specific reference to casirivimab and imdevimab they have responsibilities in the following domains.

Preparation location

Selection of the optimal preparation location, with aseptic preparation always being preferred for the following reasons:

• the preparation of this infusion is complex and has been assessed to be a NPSA High risk preparation
• withdrawals are required from 2 to 8 vials of two different starting materials, depending on the vial size, to prepare one infusion
• presenting a significant risk of microbial contamination and error

Systems

Setting up systems for:

• receipt of the starting materials and amending the incorrect expiry date
• timely preparation and issue of infusions

Preparation

Oversight of, and support to, preparation in clinical areas, where clinical area preparation is unavoidable.

Incident response

Ongoing review and responding to incidents and other problems.

Change history