Synagis (Palivizumab) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Synagis

Respiratory Syncytial Virus »

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) facts

RSV is a highly contagious virus infection that most commonly causes illness during the winter season.
Most children who develop an RSV infection have mild symptoms of fever, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge.
High-risk groups are more likely to have a more severe disease process, including wheezing (bronchiolitis in infants) and/or pneumonia. Such high-risk groups include premature infants, those children with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic pulmonary disease or congenital/acquired cardiac disease.
Supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. For high-risk patients, palivizumab (Synagis) preventative therapy is available.

What is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), discovered in 1956, is capable of causing a broad spectrum of illnesses. Older children and adults will commonly e...

Read the Respiratory Syncytial Virus article »

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Synagis Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving palivizumab (Synagis)?

Palivizumab should not be given to a child who has had a severe allergic reaction to it.

If your child has any of these other conditions, he or she may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
a low level of platelets in the blood.

It is not known whether palivizumab is harmful to use while pregnant or breast-feeding. Although this medication is generally not used in adults, a woman of child-bearing age who is treated with palivizumab should tell her doctor if she is pregnant or breast-feeding.

How is palivizumab given (Synagis)?

Palivizumab is given once a month during the RSV season, which is usually November through April but may be different where you live. Your child's doctor will tell you when the medication should be given.

Palivizumab is given as an injection into a muscle. A doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give this injection. You may be shown how to use the medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away the vial after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw the palivizumab dose into a syringe until you are ready to give an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

If you keep this medication at home, store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use the medication if the expiration date on the label has passed.

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