PALIVIZUMAB
| PALIVIZUMAB (pal-i-viz'u-mab) Synagis Classifications: immunomodulator; monoclonal antibody; immunoglobulin; Therapeutic: monoclonal antibody; immunoglobulin (igg) Pregnancy Category: C |
Availability
100 mg vial
Action
Monoclonal antibody (IgG1k produced by recombinant DNA technology) to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Therapeutic Effect
Provides passive immunity against respiratory syncytial virus. Indicated by prevention of lower respiratory tract infection.
Uses
Prevention of serious lower respiratory tract infections in children susceptible to RSV.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to palivizumab; pregnancy (category C), lactation.
Cautious Use
Hypersensitivity to other immunoglobulin preparations, blood products, or other medications; kidney or liver dysfunction; acute RSV infection.
Route & Dosage
| RSV Child: IM 15 mg/kg qmo during RSV season |
Administration
Intramuscular- Reconstitute solution by gently injecting 1 mL of sterile water for injection (without preservative) toward the sides of the vial. Gently swirl for 30 sec to dissolve (do not shake solution). Allow to stand at room temperature for at least 20 min until solution clears.
- Give IM only into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Volumes >1 mL should be divided and given in different sites.
- Use reconstituted solution within 6 h. Discard any unused portion of the vial. It contains no preservatives.
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Body as a Whole: Otitis media, pain, hernia. GI: Increased AST, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gastroenteritis. Respiratory: URI, rhinitis, pharyngitis, cough, wheeze, bronchiolitis, asthma, croup, dyspnea, sinusitis, apnea. Skin: Rash.Pharmacokinetics
Half-Life: 20 d.Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Lab tests: Periodic monitoring of liver functions may be warranted.
- Monitor carefully for and immediately report S&S of respiratory illness including fever, cough, wheezing, and retractions.
- Assess for and report erythema or indurations at injection site.
Patient & Family Education
- Contact physician if S&S of respiratory illness, vomiting, diarrhea, or redness develop at injection site.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug