Synagis®: Kim's story about RSV | Thrive Advocate Parents

Kim's story
Son: Brandon
Gestational age at birth: 28 weeks

This mom understood that RSV is all about the lungs.

Kim is a mother who counts every one of her blessings. After struggling with fertility issues, she gave birth to Brandon at 28 weeks due to complications with her cervix. "He was small and needed oxygen," Kim said, "but he didn't have any other major preemie issues. He just needed to grow and get healthy lungs."

Weighing only 2 lbs. 4 oz, Brandon spent three weeks in the NICU and six extra weeks in the preemie nursery. Brandon had chronic lung disease and jaundice, but the doctors said he scored high on reflexes for a preemie. Kim remembers the main issue being his lungs. "They were underdeveloped, filled with fluid and he had trouble breathing."

Brandon's lungs needed a chance to catch up.

Soon after Brandon was born, one of the NICU nurses explained the risk of RSV. She said Brandon's lungs were not developed enough and that a severe RSV infection could be especially dangerous for him.

Kim knew she was going to do everything she could to help protect Brandon's health. He received Synagis® from September 2005 to March 2006 to help protect against severe RSV disease. Kim also took other precautions. "I educated my family about RSV, how it wasn't just another cold and what it could do to him." Everyone in the house washed their hands frequently and visitors were kept to a minimum.

Brandon has been doing great, and with treatment from a pulmonologist, his lungs are getting stronger. Kim just wants other parents to understand how serious RSV can be for high-risk babies. She knows how important RSV protection was for Brandon, because "it can really affect a preemie's lungs."

Your child's results may vary.

Some names have been changed to protect patient confidentiality.

Learn more about RSV and what it can do to underdeveloped lungs.

Kim's story
"I educated my family about RSV, how it wasn't just another cold and what it could do to Brandon's lungs..."

Cheryl's story
"As a NICU nurse, I knew just how important each and every dose of Synagis was for Emily..."

Crista's story
"A lot of people think this RSV shot is like a flu shot. but you don't do it just once. You have to get it once a month..."

Alison's story
"The doctors in the NICU weren't sure if my insurance would cover Synagis for Christopher. But I knew that RSV was serious enough to ask my pediatrician about it..."

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Important Safety Information

Synagis® (palivizumab) is indicated for the prevention of serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children at high risk of RSV disease. Synagis is given as a shot, usually in the thigh muscle, each month during the RSV season. The first dose of Synagis should be given before RSV season begins. Children who develop an RSV infection while receiving Synagis should continue the monthly dosing schedule throughout the season. Synagis has been used in more than one million children in the U.S. since its introduction in 1998.

Very rare cases (<1 per 100,000 patients) of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and rare (<1 per 1,000 patients) hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with Synagis. These rare reactions may occur when any dose of Synagis is given, not just the first one. Also, rare but serious side effects can occur, which may lead to unusual bruising and/or groups of pinpoint red spots found on the skin.

Other side effects with Synagis may include upper respiratory tract infection, ear infection, fever, and runny nose. In children born with heart problems, Synagis was associated with reports of low blood oxygen levels and abnormal heart rhythms. Synagis should not be used in patients with a history of a severe prior reaction to Synagis or its components. Side effects, such as, skin reactions around the area where the shot was given (like redness, swelling, warmth, or discomfort) can also occur.