synagis
Synagis (Palivizumab) is a respiratory syncytial virus anti-f protein monoclonal antibody.
Palivizumab · by Swedish Orphan
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Palivizumab
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Palivizumab 100MG/VIAL · Palivizumab 50MG/VIAL
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Swedish Orphan
- FDA application
- BLA103770
What is Synagis?
From the FDA label:Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1κ) produced by recombinant DNA technology, directed to an epitope in the A antigenic site of the F protein of RSV. Palivizumab is a composite of human (95%) and murine (5%) antibody sequences. The human heavy chain sequence was derived from the constant domains of human IgG1 and the variable framework regions of the V H genes Cor and Cess. The human light chain sequence was derived from the constant domain of Cκ and the variable framework regions of the V L gene K104 with Jκ -4. The murine sequences were derived from a murine monoclonal antibody, Mab 1129, in a process that involved the grafting of the murine complementarity determining regions into the human antibody frameworks. Palivizumab is composed of two heavy chains and two light chains and has a molecular weight of approximately 148,000 Daltons. Synagis is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free liquid solution at 100 mg per mL to be administered by intramuscular injection. Thimerosal or other mercury-containing salts are not used in the production of Synagis. The solution has a pH of 6.0 and should appear clear or slightly opalescent. Each 100 mg single-dose vial of Synagis liquid solution contains 100 mg of palivizumab and also contains chloride (0.5 mg), glycine (0.1 mg), and histidine (3.9 mg), in a volume of 1 mL. Each 50 mg single-dose vial of Synagis liquid…
How to use
15 mg per kg of body weight, administered intramuscularly prior to commencement of the RSV season and remaining doses administered monthly throughout the RSV season. ( 2.1 ) Children undergoing cardio-pulmonary bypass should receive an additional dose of Synagis as soon as possible after the cardio-pulmonary bypass procedure (even if sooner than a month from the previous dose). Thereafter, doses should be administered monthly as scheduled. ( 2.1 , 12.3 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The recommended dose of Synagis is 15 mg per kg of body weight given monthly by intramuscular injection. The first dose of Synagis should be administered prior to commencement of the RSV season and the remaining doses should be administered monthly throughout the RSV season. Children who develop an RSV infection should continue to receive monthly doses throughout the RSV season. In the northern hemisphere, the RSV season typically commences in November and lasts through April, but it may begin earlier or persist later in certain communities. Synagis serum levels are decreased after cardio-pulmonary bypass [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Children undergoing cardio-pulmonary bypass should receive an additional dose of Synagis as soon as possible after the cardio-pulmonary bypass procedure (even if sooner than a month from the previous dose). Thereafter, doses should be administered monthly as…
Side effects
The most serious adverse reactions occurring with Synagis are anaphylaxis and other acute hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Adverse reactions occurring greater than or equal to 10% and at least 1% more frequently than placebo are fever and rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact 1-866-773-5274 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect exposure to Synagis (n=1639) compared with placebo (n=1143) in children 3 days to 24.1 months of age at high risk of RSV-related hospitalization in two clinical trials. Trial 1 was conducted during a single RSV season and studied a total of 1502 children less than or equal to 24 months of age with BPD or infants with premature birth (less than or equal to 35 weeks gestation) who were less than or equal to 6 months of age at study entry. Trial 2 was conducted over four consecutive seasons among a total of 1287 children less than or equal to 24 months of age with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease. In Trials 1 and 2 combined, fever and rash were…
Warnings
Important safety information
Anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock (including fatal cases), and other severe acute hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Permanently discontinue Synagis and administer appropriate medications if such reactions occur. ( 5.1 ) As with any intramuscular injection, Synagis should be given with caution to children with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder. ( 5.2 ) Palivizumab may interfere with immunological-based RSV diagnostic tests such as some antigen detection-based assays. ( 5.3 , 12.4 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Cases of anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock, including fatal cases, have been reported following initial exposure or re-exposure to Synagis. Other acute hypersensitivity reactions, which may be severe, have also been reported on initial exposure or re-exposure to Synagis. Signs and symptoms may include urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, dyspnea, respiratory failure, cyanosis, hypotonia, hypotension, and unresponsiveness. The relationship between these reactions and the development of antibodies to Synagis is unknown. If a significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs with Synagis, its use should be permanently discontinued. If anaphylaxis or other significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, administer appropriate medications (e.g., epinephrine) and provide supportive care as required. If a mild hypersensitivity reaction occurs, clinical judgment should be used regarding cautious readministration of Synagis. 5.2 Coagulation Disorders Synagis is for intramuscular use only. As with any intramuscular injection, Synagis should be given with caution to children with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder. 5.3 RSV Diagnostic Test Interference Palivizumab may interfere with immunological-based RSV diagnostic tests such as some antigen detection-based assays. In addition, palivizumab inhibits virus replication in cell culture, and therefore may also interfere with viral culture assays. Palivizumab does not interfere with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction based assays. Assay interference could lead to false-negative RSV diagnostic test results. Therefore, diagnostic test results, when obtained, should be used in conjunction with clinical findings to guide medical decisions [see Microbiology ( 12.4 ) ]. 5.4 Treatment of RSV Disease The safety and efficacy of Synagis have not been established for treatment of RSV disease. 5.5 Proper Administration The single-dose vial of Synagis does not contain a preservative. Administration of Synagis should occur immediately after dose withdrawal from the vial. The vial should not be re-entered. Discard any unused portion.
Who should not take Synagis
Synagis is contraindicated in children who have had a previous significant hypersensitivity reaction to Synagis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Previous significant hypersensitivity reaction to Synagis. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdoses with doses up to 85 mg per kg have been reported in clinical studies and post-marketing experience with Synagis, and in some cases, adverse reactions were reported. In case of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment instituted.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
No formal drug-drug interaction studies were conducted. In Trial 1, the proportions of children in the placebo and Synagis groups who received routine childhood vaccines, influenza vaccine, bronchodilators, or corticosteroids were similar and no incremental increase in adverse reactions was observed among children receiving these agents.
Storing Synagis, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Upon receipt and until use, Synagis should be stored between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F) in its original container.”
Drug class
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
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Use copay cards
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a coupon or discount for Synagis?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Synagis. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Synagis?
- Synagis is marketed by Swedish Orphan. You can see Swedish Orphan's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Synagis a brand-name or generic drug?
- Synagis is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Palivizumab.
- Is Synagis available over the counter?
- No. Synagis is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Synagis come in?
- Synagis is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Synagis?
- Synagis is classified as respiratory syncytial virus anti-f protein monoclonal antibody, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Synagis FDA-registered?
- Synagis is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA103770. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Synagis safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Synagis. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Synagis?
- Synagis's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The most serious adverse reactions occurring with Synagis are anaphylaxis and other acute hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Adverse reactions occurring greater than or equal to 10% and at least 1% more frequently than placebo are fever and rash.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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