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February 10, 2012
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respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin,human (rsv-igiv)-inj, Respigam

GENERIC NAME: RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS IMMUNE GLOBULIN,HUMAN (RSV-IGIV)-INJ (ress-PIR-uh-torr-ee SIN-sish-ull VYE-russ ih-MYOON GLOB-you-lin)

BRAND NAME(S): Respigam

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used in infants who have lung disease (e.g., bronchopulmonary dysplasia) or who were born prematurely. It is used to prevent severe lung infections caused by a certain virus (RSV). This medication is made from healthy human blood that has a high level of certain defensive substances (antibodies). These antibodies help the body to fight infections caused by RSV. Using this medication has been shown to reduce the severity of the RSV infection, thereby reducing the number and length of hospital stays caused by RSV.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Before using this product, check it visually for cloudiness, particles, or discoloration. If any are present, do not use the liquid. Do not shake the vial or cause the medication to foam. Health care professionals must follow all the manufacturer's instructions for properly mixing and giving this drug. If you have any questions about the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.The health care professional will start the medication slowly while monitoring your child closely. If there are few or no side effects, the medication will be given faster.Dosage is based on your child's weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. The maximum recommended dosage is 750 milligrams per kilogram per monthly infusion. This medication is usually given before the start of the RSV season, then given monthly throughout the RSV season (e.g., November through April, depending on area).Your child should receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when your child needs to receive the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, flushing, chest tightness, muscle/joint pain, or pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. Tell your child's doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. The infusion may need to be stopped or given more slowly.Remember that the doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell the doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, swelling ankles/feet, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, changes in skin color/temperature.This medication is made from human blood. Even though donors are carefully screened and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is a very small chance that your child may get infections from the medication (e.g., viral infections such as hepatitis). Tell the doctor immediately if your child develops any signs of hepatitis/another infection, including fever, persistent sore throat, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.Treatment with this medication may rarely cause a serious swelling of the brain (aseptic meningitis syndrome) several hours to 2 days after treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if your child develops severe headache, drowsiness, high fever, eye pain/sensitivity to light, muscle stiffness, or severe nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.




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respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin,human (rsv-igiv)-inj, Respigam

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) facts

  • RSV is a highly contagious virus infection that most commonly causes illness during the winter season.
  • Most children who develop an RSV infection have mild symptoms of fever, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge.
  • High-risk groups are more likely to have a more severe disease process, including wheezing (bronchiolitis in infants) and/or pneumonia. Such high-risk groups include premature infants, those children with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic pulmonary disease or congenital/acquired cardiac disease.
  • Supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. For high-risk patients, palivizumab (Synagis) preventative therapy is available.

What is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), discovered in 1956, is capable of causing a broad spectrum of illnesses. Older children and adults will commonly e...

Read the Respiratory Syncytial Virus article »


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