What is Palivizumab?
Palivizumab is a human-made antibody to the respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus (RSV). RSV can trigger serious diseases in children. Palivizumab can prevent RSV cells from multiplying throughout the body.Palivizumab is a drug used to stop lung disease that is serious and due to respiratory syncytial virus in premature infants and also in infants born with certain lung diseases or heart disease.
Palivizumab is most effective in children who are aged 24 months or less at the start of RSV season (6 months or less in premature babies).Palivizumab cannot treat a child already suffering from RSV disease.Palivizumab can be used for additional reasons that are not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Palivizumab
Take immediate medical care. If your child is showing symptoms warning of an allergic reaction, These include hives, severe itching, breathing difficulty or rapid breathing, blue skin, lips, or mouth, or fingernails that make it difficult to get up, and swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects of palivizumab include:
- Fever
It isn't a complete listing of all possible adverse consequences, but other effects might occur. Ask your doctor for guidance about the medical consequences. If you experience any side reactions to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Palivizumab should not be administered to any child who has experienced an extreme allergic reaction.
Before you take this drug
Palivizumab should not be administered to children who have had an extremely allergic reaction.
Discuss with your doctor if your child has ever suffered from:
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- Platelets are in low amounts in the blood.
How to take Palivizumab?
Palivizumab is injectable into muscles. The healthcare professional will administer your child's injection.Palivizumab is prescribed once a month throughout the RSV season, typically from November to April, but it could vary depending on where you live.
To prevent RSV disease, The first injection of palivizumab should be administered prior to when the RSV season begins.In RSV season, your child should receive a palivizumab shot every 28–30 days. Each injection could help your child stay safe from RSV for a period of about one month.
Make sure you keep all appointments for the injections your child receives. If your child becomes infected with RSV disease, he or she should receive every scheduled palivizumab injection.Palivizumab could cause abnormal results in certain tests for medical conditions. Inform any physician who treats you about your use of palivizumab.
Details on dosage
Usual Pediatric Dose for Respiratory Syncytial Virus:
Children who are 24 months old or less:
15 mg/kg IM each month for a period of time during RSV season (the first dose should be administered prior to the start of RSV season, and the subsequent doses are to be administered once a month all through the RSV season).
Comments:
Children who contract an RSV infection should continue to receive regular doses of the virus throughout the RSV season.
In the northern hemisphere, the RSV season generally begins in November and continues until April; however, it could begin earlier or continue later in certain communities.
The levels of this drug in the blood are reduced following the procedure of cardiopulmonary bypass. Children who are undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass must be given a second dose within the shortest time possible following the procedure to bypass cardiopulmonary (even when it is less than one month after the dose previously received). The doses thereafter are to be administered every month in accordance with the scheduled schedule.
Use: To prevent the development of severe respiratory tract disease. respiratory tract diseases caused by respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) in children who are at high risk of developing RSV disease. The following factors should be considered when prescribing this medicine:
The safety and efficacy of the treatment were confirmed in children suffering from the condition known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or infants who have preterm delivery (less than or greater than 35 weeks gestational period) and in children who suffer from an elevated hemodynamic profile (CHD), a congenital cardiac disease (CHD).
Safety and efficacy haven't been proven for the treatment of RSV disease.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Consult your doctor about the procedure in the event that you don't make an appointment to have the injection of palivizumab for your child.
What happens if I overdose?
Because this medication is administered by a medical expert in a medical environment, the risk of overdose is less likely to occur.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications may interact with palivizumab's effects, such as prescription or other over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
