Synagis® (
palivizumab) is a medication given to high-risk children and infants to help prevent serious infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (
RSV). Synagis is a type of prophylaxis, a measure used to prevent certain medical problems. By giving this medicine to young children, it can help prevent the RSV infection from causing severe complications.
Synagis is given as a monthly injection into a muscle (an intramuscular, or IM, injection). The drug cannot prevent a child from getting RSV, but it can help prevent the infection from becoming more serious. This medicine is specifically designed for children age 24 months and younger who have a high risk for developing serious complications from RSV. Some of these high-risk cases include children who:
- Were born prematurely (defined as at or before 35 weeks gestation)
- Have chronic lung disease
- Have certain types of congenital heart disease.
(For more information on using this prophylaxis in children and infants, click Synagis Uses. This full-length article gives more details on this drug, including how it works to prevent serious complications caused by RSV infections.)
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