Synagis
Synagis (palivizumab) is a monoclonal antibody. It's given to prevent serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants and young children who are at high risk for severe illness. Synagis (palivizumab) is injected into the muscle monthly, starting right before and continuing throughout the RSV season. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include fever and rash.
What is Synagis (palivizumab)?
What is Synagis (palivizumab) used for?
Prevention of serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections for:
- Babies born premature and are 6 months or younger at the start of RSV season
- Children diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) within the last 6 months, and are 2 years or younger at the start of RSV season
- Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and are 2 years or younger at the start of RSV season
How Synagis (palivizumab) works
Synagis (palivizumab) is an injection of monoclonal antibodies that can recognize the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). If RSV enters the body, these antibodies can stop the virus from entering your cells and spreading. This means that RSV is less likely to cause serious lung problems.
Drug facts
More on Synagis (palivizumab) essentials
Side effects of Synagis (palivizumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Fever (27%)
- Rash (12%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions
Synagis (palivizumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: hives, itching, sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble breathing, blue-ish skin, and swelling of the face and throat
Pros and cons of Synagis (palivizumab)
Pros
- Lowers the risk of serious RSV illness
- Not known to affect how well vaccines work
Cons
- Given monthly during RSV season, instead of once a year, like its alternative
- Can't treat RSV infections (only prevents)
Pharmacist tips for Synagis (palivizumab)
- Synagis (palivizumab) is injected monthly into the muscle during the season when respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is most active. The RSV season can vary depending on the climate you live in. Ask your provider how long your local RSV season lasts so you know when your child can stop receiving Synagis (palivizumab) injections.
- One of the more common side effects from Synagis (palivizumab) is fever. If your child has a fever, you can give them cool compresses and dress them in light clothing to keep cool. Ask your child's provider if it's safe for your child to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to treat a fever.
- If your child develops an RSV infection, they should still continue to receive Synagis (palivizumab) injections for the rest of the RSV season because it's possible to get RSV more than once.
- Early symptoms of RSV are similar to other infections and include runny nose, low appetite, and a cough that might turn into wheezing. If your child develops these symptoms (especially during RSV season), contact their provider right away. While Synagis (palivizumab) can lower the risk of serious RSV illness, some children can still become seriously sick.
Common questions about Synagis (palivizumab)
No, Synagis (palivizumab) isn't a RSV vaccine; but rather, it's a monoclonal antibody. RSV vaccines are made up of pieces of RSV that trigger your body to make antibodies that help you fight against RSV in the future. Synagis (palivizumab) is already made up of antibodies that can recognize and prevent the spread of RSV in the body.
Synagis (palivizumab) and Beyfortus are both monoclonal antibody shots given to young children to prevent serious illness from RSV. But your child's provider might recommend one over the other based on your child's age, risks for RSV, and other health conditions. One of the main difference between Synagis (palivizumab) and Beyfortus is that Synagis (palivizumab) is given monthly throughout the RSV season, whereas a single Beyfortus injection is enough to provide protection for the entire RSV season. Ask your child's primary care provider if you've more questions about the two medications.
Synagis (palivizumab) has been FDA-approved for children ages 2 years and younger. Though rare, there have been cases of serious allergic reactions in young children receiving injections. If this occurs, the clinic staff will provide supportive care for your child. Depending on how serious the reaction was, your child might not be able to receive future doses of Synagis (palivizumab).
Yes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Synagis (palivizumab) doesn't interfere with the body's immune response to live or inactivated vaccines. This means that your child can continue to get their childhood vaccines as scheduled.
Synagis (palivizumab) works well to prevent serious illness caused by RSV in high-risk babies. A study of babies born premature or with BPD showed that children who received Synagis (palivizumab) were 55% less likely to go to the hospital for respiratory problems from RSV compared to those who received placebo.
Synagis (palivizumab) is typically given every month for the duration of the RSV season, which can vary based on where you live.
Synagis (palivizumab) is given as a shot in the front of your child's thigh muscle.
Each injection of Synagis (palivizumab) provides protection from RSV for about 1 month. In order to continue protecting your child throughout RSV season, it's important they get their shot every 28-30 days.
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Risks and warnings for Synagis (palivizumab)
Synagis (palivizumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reaction
In some rare cases, children receiving Synagis (palivizumab) have had serious allergic reactions, including hives, itching, sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face and throat. It can happen during the first dose of Synagis (palivizumab) or any of the following doses. If your child experiences a serious allergic reaction to Synagis (palivizumab), they should never receive the medication again.
Bleeding problems
- Risk factors: Low platelets | History of clotting problems
Synagis (palivizumab) is given as an injection into the muscle and should be used with caution in children with certain blood problems. Talk to your provider if your child has a history of low platelets or bleeding problems.
Not for treatment for RSV
Once-a-month Synagis (palivizumab) is only studied for prevention of RSV, not for treatment. If your child has developed RSV, however, you should still continue to get Synagis (palivizumab) monthly because it's possible to get RSV more than once a season.
Synagis (palivizumab) dosage
Typical dosage for Synagis (palivizumab)
Your child's provider will determine the dose based on your child's body weight.
- The typical dose is 15 mg/kg injected into the muscle monthly. Your child will receive the first dose before the start of the RSV season and then once a month throughout the RSV season (fall, winter, spring).
Synagis (palivizumab) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Synagis (palivizumab) will not be safe for you to take.
- Previous serious allergic reaction to Synagis (palivizumab)
What are alternatives to Synagis (palivizumab)?
Prevention of serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections for:
