Synagis®

Synagis®

This product is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim using the ingredient palivizumab.

This product is taken via intramuscular injection.

Why is it prescribed?

Palivizumab is used for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and children at high risk of RSV disease.

  • If your child misses an injection, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Each injection only lasts for about one month before another injection is needed.
  • Synagis®  should be stored between 2 and 8°C in its original container. Do not freeze. Do not use beyond the expiration date.
  • The single-use vial of Synagis®  solution for injection does not contain a preservative and should be administered immediately after drawing the dose into the syringe.
  •  DO NOT DILUTE THE PRODUCT, DO NOT SHAKE THE VIAL
  • The best site for the injection is the vastus lateralus aspect of the thigh but use only as directed by your physician
  • If the dosage needed is greater than 1.0 ml, it should be given as a divided dose.

 


Alternatives

See other products used in the treatment of •Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) •

The recommended dose of Synagis® is 15 mg/kg of body weight given once a month by intramuscular injection during anticipated periods of RSV risk in the community.  This medication is for use in infants and children only.


Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibodies, that is, it contains man-made, disease-fighting proteins called antibodies.
Since children at high risk for severe RSV disease often do not have enough of their own antibodies, palivizumab helps to prevent severe RSV disease by increasing protective RSV antibodies.


Most common:

  • fever and rash.

Common:

  • nervousness
  • redness or swelling at the injection site 
  • A pause in breathing or other breathing difficulties  

Less common:

  • colds, coughs, runny nose, wheezing
  • vomiting, diarrhea
  • viral infections
  • increase in liver function tests

Severe allergic reactions may occur after any dose of palivizumab. Such reactions may be life threatening or cause death. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • Severe rash, hives, or itching skin
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
  • Closing of the throat, difficult swallowing
  • Difficult, rapid, or irregular breathing
  • Bluish colour of skin, lips, or under fingernails
  • Muscle weakness or floppiness
  • A drop in blood pressure
  • Unresponsiveness

 


  • Do not use if allergic to palivizumab or other human monoclonal antibodies
  • Palivizumab should be given with caution to patients with any bleeding disorders
  • A moderate to severe acute infection or febrile illness may warrant delaying the use of palivizumab.  A mild upper respiratory infection is not usually reason to delay treatment

Drug interactions:

  • none expected