Palivizumab

Children who have a high risk for developing serious complications from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection may receive palivizumab. This prescription medication cannot prevent RSV, but it can help reduce symptoms of the infection. It comes as an injection that is given every month during the RSV season. Side effects may include upper respiratory tract infections, ear infections, and a stuffy nose.

Palivizumab Drug Information

What Is Palivizumab?

Palivizumab (Synagis^®) is a prescription medication approved to prevent serious respiratory tract illness caused by a virus known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is only for use in children who are at high risk for complications from an RSV infection. Palivizumab belongs to a group of medicines known as monoclonal antibodies.

(Click What Is Palivizumab Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, palivizumab may cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.

If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects seen with palivizumab include but are not limited to:

Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold
Ear infections
Fever
Runny or stuffy nose.

(Click Palivizumab Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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