Palivizumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Hong Kong prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Intramuscular
Respiratory syncytial virus, prophylaxis

Child: For the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): <6 months (at the onset of RSV season) and born at ≤35 weeks of gestation: 15 mg/kg once a month during RSV season; <2 years In patients requiring treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia within the last 6 months, or with haemodynamically significant congenital heart disease: 15 mg/kg once a month during RSV season. Administer the 1st dose prior to the commencement of the RSV season. Patients undergoing cardiac bypass: 15 mg/kg given as soon as stable after the surgery, then resume monthly thereafter. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product or local guidelines).

What are the brands available for Palivizumab in Hong Kong?

Synagis

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to palivizumab or to other humanised monoclonal antibodies.

Special Precautions

Patient with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder; moderate to severe febrile illness or acute infection. Infants and children.

Adverse Reactions

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Thrombocytopenia.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Pyrexia, inj site reactions.
Nervous system disorders: Convulsion.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Apnoea.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, urticaria.
Potentially Fatal: Allergic reactions including very rare cases of anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock.

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions.

Lab Interference

May result in false-negative immunologic-based RSV diagnostic tests and viral culture assays.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Palivizumab is a potent, recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody. It exhibits neutralising and fusion-inhibitory effects against RSV resulting in the inhibition of RSV replication.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Well absorbed. Bioavailability: 70% (without congenital heart disease). Time to peak plasma concentration: 3-5 days.
Excretion: Elimination half-life: 20-24.5 days (without congenital heart disease).

Storage

Store between 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

MIMS Class

Vaccines, Antisera & Immunologicals

ATC Classification

J06BD01 - palivizumab ; Belongs to the class of antiviral monoclonal antibodies. Used in passive immunizations.

References

Anon. Palivizumab. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 10/10/2024.

AstraZeneca Limited. Synagis Solution for Injection data sheet 1 October 2021. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunoglobulins. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Joint Formulary Committee. Palivizumab. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Palivizumab. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Palivizumab. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Palivizumab. UpToDate Lexidrug, Pediatric and Neonatal Lexi-Drugs Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Synagis (AstraZeneca Sdn Bhd). MIMS Malaysia. http://www.mims.com/malaysia. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Synagis 50 mg/0.5 mL Solution for Injection (AstraZeneca UK Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Synagis Injection, Solution (Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB [publ]). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 10/10/2024.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Palivizumab from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com