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Synagis

palivizumab
Used for Lower Respiratory Infection
Used for Lower Respiratory Infection

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 4, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Synagis (palivizumab)?

What is Synagis (palivizumab) used for?

Prevention of serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections for:

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

Common BrandsSynagis
Drug ClassMonoclonal antibody
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Synagis (palivizumab) essentials

Health: RSV: mother with baby at medical appintment 1479437051

Beyfortus vs. Synagis for RSV Prevention in Children: 4 Differences Parents Should Know

Written by Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
basics-icon

What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions

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

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds

blurred vision

confusion

cough

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast heartbeat

fever

hives or welts

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

itching

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of strength or energy

muscle pain or weakness

redness of the skin

shortness of breath

skin rash

sweating

tightness in the chest

unresponsiveness

unusual tiredness or weakness

wheezing

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

pinpoint red spots on the skin

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Synagis (palivizumab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Lowers the risk of serious RSV illness

Not known to affect how well vaccines work

thumbs-down

Cons

Given monthly during RSV season, instead of once a year, like its alternative

Can't treat RSV infections (only prevents)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Synagis (palivizumab)

pharmacist

  • 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.

    • 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.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Synagis (palivizumab)

        Is Synagis (palivizumab) a vaccine?
        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.
        What is the difference between Synagis (palivizumab) and Beyfortus?
        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.
        Is Synagis (palivizumab) safe for babies?
        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).
        Can Synagis (palivizumab) be given with other vaccines?
        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.
        How effective is Synagis (palivizumab)?
        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.
        How often is Synagis (palivizumab) given?
        Synagis (palivizumab) is typically given every month for the duration of the RSV season, which can vary based on where you live.
        How is Synagis (palivizumab) administered?
        Synagis (palivizumab) is given as a shot in the front of your child's thigh muscle.
        How long does Synagis (palivizumab) last?
        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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        What are the 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.

        risk-warning

        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.

        risk-warning

        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.

          risk-warning

          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.

          dosage

          Synagis (palivizumab) dosage forms

          Typical dosing 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).

          interactions

          Interactions between Synagis (palivizumab) and other drugs

          Synagis (palivizumab) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Synagis (palivizumab). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

          Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

          contraindications-icon

          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)

          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Synagis (palivizumab)?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Synagis (palivizumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Synagis (palivizumab)
          Used for:

          Prevention of serious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections for:

          View Prices
          Beyfortus (nirsevimab)
          Used for:

          • Newborns and infants during or entering their first RSV season

          • Children up to 24 months old at risk for severe RSV illness through their second RSV season

          View Prices

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          References

          Best studies we found

          American Lung Association. (2024). Learn about bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

          Brady, M. T., et al. (2014). Updated guidance for palivizumab prophylaxis among infants and young children at increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus infection. Pediatrics.

          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Surveillance of RSV.

          View All References (1)

          Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (publ). (2021). Synagis- palivizumab injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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