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Synagis
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.
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
| Common Brands | Synagis |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Monoclonal antibody |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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.
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)?
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:
