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

Cheryl's story
Daughter: Emily
Gestational age at birth: Full term, with CHD

Cheryl knows from experience that every dose of Synagis® counts.

"As a NICU nurse, I knew just how important each and every dose of Synagis was for Emily." Cheryl had seen firsthand the number of RSV cases still coming into the hospital during the last months of "typical" RSV season. So she took plenty of preventive steps with her daughter Emily at home, such as frequent hand washing and limiting Emily's exposure to sick people and other kids.

Although Emily was born full-term at 7 lbs 7 oz, she was considered at high risk for severe RSV disease because of her congenital heart disease. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Emily had a series of three open heart surgeries by the time she was two years old.

This NICU nurse knew prevention was key for her own daughter.

Because Emily was considered high-risk for severe RSV disease, her pediatrician wrote a letter of medical necessity to Cheryl's insurance provider. It stressed just how important it was for Emily to get Synagis. Thanks to her mom's expertise and dedicated care, Emily never got sick with RSV.

"I have always been a very dedicated family advocate as a nurse practitioner," said Cheryl. "Now, having my own 'high-risk child,' I am even more passionate about educating families about RSV and advocating for children." When Cheryl speaks with other parents in the NICU, she makes sure they understand the importance of receiving Synagis on time every month during RSV season. In her own expert opinion, prevention is the key when trying to avoid an RSV hospitalization.

Your child's results may vary.

Some names have been changed to protect patient confidentiality.

Read more about why Synagis needs to be given at the same time each month.

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.