Synagis®: Understand the risk of severe RSV disease in a baby

Respiratory syncytial virus (sin-SISH-shul VI-rus), or RSV, is a common, seasonal and easily spread virus. You’ve probably had RSV and thought it was just a bad cold. In fact, nearly all children will get their first RSV infection by age two.

RSV can live up to six hours on toys, clothes, bedding and other surfaces.

Most people with RSV suffer moderate to severe cold-like symptoms. For some babies, RSV can be more serious—it's the #1 cause of hospitalization in infants. Preemies and babies born with a heart or lung condition are at higher risk for severe RSV disease, which could lead to serious lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. It is estimated that the annual infant death rate due to RSV is 10 times greater than that of the flu, with up to 400 infant deaths from RSV each year in the U.S.

That’s why it’s important to know who’s at greater risk for severe RSV disease:

Babies born prematurely at 35 weeks or less
Babies born with heart disease
Babies with chronic lung disease

It's never too early to talk to your baby's doctor about Synagis® and RSV. Use this Doctor Discussion Guide (140KB) to go over some of the questions you and your baby's doctor might have for each other.

If your baby was born prematurely, you probably already know how fragile preemie lungs can be. And even as preemies start to look healthy and strong, their lungs remain smaller and less developed than those of full-term babies. That's why preemies are at greater risk for a severe lung infection from RSV.

Premature and full-term airways with RSV infection

*Langston C, Kida K, Reed M, et al. Human lung growth in late gestation and in the neonate. American Review of Respiratory Disease. 1984;129:607-613.

**Adapted from Moore KL, Persaud TVN. The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:245-251.

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..."

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.