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) at least once before their second birthday. But some babies are at higher risk for severe RSV disease, such as:

Babies born prematurely at 35 weeks or less

Babies born with 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 Discussion Guide (140KB).

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

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.