Palivizumab injection

What is this medication?

PALIVIZUMAB (pal i VI zu mab) is an antibody. It is used in infants and children to prevent severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Children treated with this medicine may still get RSV but will not get as sick as if they were not treated at all. This medicine does not protect against other infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Synagis

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if your child has any of these conditions:

•blood or bleeding disorders

•immune system problems

•an unusual or allergic reaction to palivizumab, vaccines or antibodies, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

This drug may be prescribed for children as young as premature newborns. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

See your health care provider for monthly injections of this medicine as directed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•blue color to lips, skin

•breathing problems

•loss of appetite

•ear pain

•fast, irregular heart beat

•fever

•less active

•less alert

•very irritable

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•cough

•pain at site where injected

•runny nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.