Generic name:palivizumab [ PAL-i-VIZ-oo-mab ]
Drug class:Immune globulins
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 27, 2021.
What is Synagis?
Synagis is a man-made antibody to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV can cause serious illness in children. Palivizumab helps keep RSV cells from multiplying in the body.
Synagis is used to prevent serious lung disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus in premature infants, and infants born with certain lung disorders or heart disease.
Synagis works best in children who are 24 months old or younger at the beginning of RSV season (6 months or younger for premature infants). It will not treat a child who is already sick with RSV disease.
Warnings
Synagis should not be given to a child who has had a severe allergic reaction to palivizumab.
Before your child receives the injection, tell your doctor if the child has a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; or a low level of platelets in the blood.
Call your doctor at once if your child has a serious side effect after receiving this medicine, such as high fever, ear pain or drainage, warmth or swelling of the ear; crying or fussiness, change in appetite or sleeping patterns, easy bruising or bleeding, or trouble breathing.
Before taking this medicine
Synagis should not be given to a child who has had a severe allergic reaction to palivizumab.
To make sure Synagis is safe for your child, tell your doctor if the child has ever had:
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
low levels of platelets in the blood.
How is Synagis given?
Synagis is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give your child this injection.
Synagis is given once a month during the RSV season, which is usually November through April but may be different where you live.
To best help prevent R...
