What is an experimental medication or treatment?
A medication is called experimental if it is a new medication or an old medication being used in a new way. It’s the same for experimental therapies. Because these have not been used in this way before, doctors do not know whether the experimental medications or treatments will help more than they harm the patients.
Experimental medications or treatments are usually tried because there are no other medications or treatments that work as well as needed and the doctors think that the experimental medication or treatment might help more than hurt the patient. Doctors usually ask for permission from the patient or medical decision maker before using an experimental medication or treatment.
Currently used experimental treatments and medications for COVID-19 infection include antivirals other than remdesivir, convalescent plasma (a blood product containing potentially lifesaving antibodies taken from patients who have already survived COVID-19 infection), bamlanivimab (a monoclonal antibody directed toward a specific SARS-CoV-2 protein), and the antibody mixtures casirivimab, imdevimab, and bericitinib.
Creating your COVID-19 SOS Directive
If you decide you want a COVID-19 SOS Directive, you need to:
Fill out the form and have it signed and dated by you and your witnesses.
Tell your loved ones and doctors that you have an SOS Directive.