Hypersensitivity reactions to monoclonal antibody treatments for immune disorders

Prescription, administration and initiation of MAb therapy remains the purview of specialist physicians at present. However, given the explosion in use of these agents across a variety of areas of medicine, all clinicians require at least a basic understanding of the mechanism of action of these drugs and the presentation of adverse events. Some practice points on MAb therapy are summarised in the Box. GPs may be called on to recognise and manage adverse events following administration of a MAb. Some reactions are predictable and easily addressed (e.g. injection site reactions and infusion reactions), but patients with a suspected immediate hypersensitivity reaction or recurrent severe infusion reactions require referral back to the prescribing specialist for reevaluation.