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Palivizumab ( pal-i-VI-zu-mab) belongs to a group of medicines known as immunizing agents. Palivizumab is used to prevent infection in children and babies caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Palivizumab works by giving your body the antibodies it needs to protect it against RSV infection. RSV infection can cause serious problems that affect the lungs, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, and in severe cases even can cause death. These problems are more likely to occur in infants and children younger than 6 months of age with chronic lung disease and breathing problems and in babies who were premature, and babies who were born with heart disease. Palivizumab is used to prevent serious lower respiratory tract infection caused by the RSV. Onset of RSV activity usually occurs in November and continues through April, but it may begin earlier or continue later in certain communities. A good way to help prevent RSV infection is to receive Palivizumab before the start of the RSV season. Palivizumab is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form: Parenteral Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand names: - Palivizumab - Synagis |