Drugs & Vitamins

Palivizumab Active Ingredients: Palivizumab Representative Names: Synagis What is palivizumab injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with palivizumab? What side effects might I notice from receiving palivizumab? What do I need to watch for while my child receives palivizumab? Where can I keep the medicine? What is palivizumab injection? (Back to top) PALIVIZUMAB (Synagis™) helps to prevent or reduce the severity of infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). There are certain children who are especially at risk, and vaccination using this product helps reduce the chances that these infants and children will need hospital care. Palivizumab is an injection containing an antibody or protein that provides protection against RSV within a few days of use. The protection lasts for about 1 month. Palivizumab is given right before and during the months of the year that RSV infection is most likely to occur. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blood or bleeding disorders •heart disease •immunosuppression or immunodeficiency disorder, like HIV infection or AIDS •kidney or liver problems •an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines or antibodies, mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Palivizumab is only for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional in an office or clinic setting. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) For the best protection against RSV illness, your child should have a monthly appointment to receive the palivizumab injections as directed by your health care professional. Try to keep these appointments every 4 weeks. If you miss an appointment, call to reschedule it as soon as possible. What drug(s) may interact with palivizumab? (Back to top) Palivizumab does not interfere with regular childhood vaccines. You should have your child immunized on the schedule recommended by your health care professional. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects might I notice from receiving palivizumab? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing •decreased activity •decreased appetite- not wanting to breast-feed or take a bottle •extreme irritability •fever, chills, or sore throat •hives, itching, or skin rash •nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea •pain in the stomach or abdomen •swelling of the eyes or face •unusual or increased crying, or sudden change in alertness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •pain and tenderness at the injection site •runny nose What do I need to watch for while my child receives palivizumab? (Back to top) Palivizumab has rarely caused severe side effects. Report any unusual symptoms to your prescriber or health care professional. Where can I keep the medicine? (Back to top) Each dose of this medicine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given palivizumab doses to store at home. Last Updated:02/04/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.