Monoclonal antibodies and Paxlovid in Italy

Have you talked with your doctor about taking Evusheld before you go?

You would need to see an Italian doctor if you have symptoms and test positive, just like in the US. The IS Embassy website in each country will list English speaking doctors. The Ministry of Health has some contact info here for tourists: https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=5412&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto. Personally, I’d seek out an English-speaking doctor.

Italy still has strict self-isolation rules, FYI.

From what i have read, you would need to be seen by a physician after having a positive COVID Test. You would need to be assessed for the prescribing parameters such as the severity of disease, other medical conditions and medications that may preclude its use, among others. Paxlovid is available if approved by the physician. It's expensive- in the US its over $500 per course. Expect to pay up front and get reimbursed by your insurance later. Remdesivir has been approved for those requiring hospitalization for COVID who meet the prescribing parameters.

Neither are available just for the asking.

A person I know well, resident of Vienna Austria, was undergoing very strong chemotherapy when he contracted Covid in January. The hospital called him to come in overnight because the hospital had received 100 doses of Monoclonal antibodies and wanted him to have one of the doses. He was admitted to the hospital overnight. So, your first step would be to go to a hospital. They might have Monoclonal antibodies available for you. Neither chemo nor antibodies are outpatient in the two countries I know well in Europe, so I would assume the protocol is the same for Italy.

You probably already do this, but I suggest that anyone who has any type of medical condition carry their records with them. Much of the vocabulary can be deciphered. You can also gather the names and addresses of hospitals recommended by the US or Canadian Embassies in Italy, ones that could have English-speaking staff, so you would know where to go if needed.

If you should text positive, you must see a doctor , Guardia medica (sort of a clinic), or go to the hospital, and if it's prescribed to you, it will be given at the pharmacy at no cost

Thanks everyone that replied. Our doctors here do not know any information about getting help in Italy. But I especially wanted to know if the Monoclonal antibodies would be available in most places in Italy as we will be going from Venice to Rome via Malta and then To Assisi, Siena, Florence and then Back to Rome.

MR—so there would be no overnight hospital stay? I believe it’s an infusion. Edit: sorry, "perfusion" is French. I forget the English --drip? Right, IV.

No matter what, it starts with a doctor or hospital visit.

I believe it’s an infusion

Monoclonal antibodies is an "infusion"- given intravenously but Paxlovid is not- that is just an oral med taken for 5 days.

Depends which drug but I had the monoclonal antibodies and it was just an IV push- took about 30 seconds to get the actual drug. Then observation (BP monitoring, O2 monitoring) with an IV drip of fluids for about an hour. No overnight stay required.

Just to add- I received this in the US- I did not need to be seen by a doctor, just needed that positive test ( I emailed my doc with my symptoms and she sent me right in) but honestly I was surprised they accepted my word on a home test- didn't have me do an official test.

OP-
It is my understanding that one can get Paxlovid now at a pharmacy with just a positive test, no need for a RX.
I have seen folks report that their doctor has given them Paxlovid to take on trip - just in case it is needed. You might ask your docs about that.

thank you. We know what to do in the USA but not sure of the availability and how to get Monoclonal antibodies in Italy.