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Overview: Synagis is used to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It works by blocking part of the RSV virus, preventing it from entering healthy cells and stopping it from spreading to other cells. Common side effects include fever and rash. Synagis is given as a series of injections, starting before the beginning of RSV season and continuing once monthly during RSV season.

Uses

What is Synagis used for?

Synagis (palivizumab) is commonly used to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common, contagious virus that causes symptoms such as cough and runny nose. In most people, RSV is mild. However, in babies, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions, RSV can cause serious problems that require you to go to the hospital. Synagis will not give your child RSV. It also will not treat an infection.

Synagis may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Synagis work (mechanism of action)?

Synagis works by binding to the RSV virus and preventing it from infecting healthy cells and spreading to other cells.

How is Synagis supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Synagis

Dosage forms and strengths

Synagis is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Synagis?

Synagis is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Synagis?

The most common side effects of Synagis are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fever
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of Synagis that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Synagis?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Synagis are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Synagis may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Synagis?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Synagis.

  • Palivizumab
  • Synagis
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Synagis.

What should I know about Synagis before using it?

Synagis is given as a series of injections into a muscle by a health care provider, starting before the beginning of RSV season and continuing once monthly during RSV season. Your child’s health care provider will tell you when to schedule the first appointment and when to return each month, depending on when RSV season occurs in your area. Follow the schedule given by your child’s health care provider and make sure to bring your child to all appointments.

Synagis is used to help prevent RSV but does not treat RSV. If your child gets an RSV infection, they should still get their scheduled Synagis injections to prevent disease from future RSV infections.

Tell any health care provider you see that your child is receiving Synagis, as it may interfere with certain tests used to diagnose RSV. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Synagis?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your child is using. This will help them determine if Synagis is right for your child.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if your child has any of the following.

  • Heart or lung conditions, including any surgery, procedures, or cardio-pulmonary bypass
  • Premature birth
  • Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), easy bruising or bleeding, or any condition that affects blood clotting

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually given Synagis. 

Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually given Synagis.

How can I get more information about Synagis?

For more information about Synagis, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.synagis.com or call them at 866-773-5274.

Interactions

Does Synagis interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Synagis and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Synagis.

Does Synagis interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Synagis and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your child is using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Synagis?

If you or someone else has used too much Synagis, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Synagis?

If your child misses an appointment for an injection, call your health care provider to schedule another appointment as soon as possible.