Synagis®: Understand who is at risk for severe RSV disease

Understand who's at high risk for severe RSV disease.

Almost all children will have had respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease at least once before their second birthday. But some babies are at high risk for severe RSV disease, such as:

Babies born prematurely at 35 weeks or less

Babies born with certain types of heart disease

Babies with chronic lung disease

Keep reading to learn more about RSV, how serious it can be, and what can increase your baby's risk.

Talk to your doctor about your baby's risk.

The sooner you talk to your baby's doctor about RSV and Synagis, the better. If you're not sure what to ask or what your doctor may need to know, take a look at this doctor dialogue card.

Take simple steps to help protect your baby from RSV.

RSV spreads just like a regular cold, so you need to be extra careful around family and friends. Here are a few things you can do to help reduce your baby's exposure to RSV:

Wash your hands before touching your child. Make sure others wash up, too.

Clean toys, crib rails and any other surfaces your baby might touch.

Try to keep your baby away from crowds. Avoid anyone with a cold or fever.

Don't let anyone smoke near your baby. Tobacco smoke can increase the risk of severe RSV disease.

Important Safety Information

What is Synagis® (palivizumab)?

Synagis is a prescription medication that is used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and children at high risk for severe lung disease from RSV. Over one million children have been given Synagis. It is given as a shot, usually in the thigh muscle, each month during the RSV season. Children who develop an RSV infection while receiving Synagis should continue the monthly dosing schedule throughout the season.

Who should not receive Synagis?

Synagis should not be used in children who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to Synagis or its ingredients. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction could include: itchy rash; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; swelling of the face; bluish color of the skin; muscle weakness or floppiness; and/or unresponsiveness. If your child has any of these signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after getting Synagis, be sure to tell your child's healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

What are the side effects with Synagis?

Possible, serious side effects include severe allergic reaction which may occur after any dose of Synagis. Unusual bruising and/or groups of tiny red spots on the skin have also been reported.

Common side effects of Synagis include fever, cold-like symptoms (upper respiratory tract infection), including runny nose and ear infection, and rash. Other possible side effects include skin reactions around the area where the shot was given (like redness, swelling, warmth or discomfort). In children born with certain heart problems, other possible side effects include bluish color of the skin and abnormal heart rhythms.

These are not all the possible side effects of Synagis. Tell your child's healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers your child or that does not go away.

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