Uses of undefined

Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody designed to prevent serious RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease in high-risk children. It works by inhibiting the RSV F protein and has been shown to be safe and effective in specific patient populations.

It Prevents RSV disease in children at high risk, including:

• Children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
• Infants born prematurely (≤35 weeks gestational age)
• Children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD)

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Palivizumab should be administered intramuscularly at a dose of 15 mg per kg, preferably in the anterolateral thigh. Inspect the vial for particulate matter or discolouration before use and discard if any are found. Withdraw the dose using a sterile technique and administer it immediately. For doses over 1 mL, divide the dose. Do not re-enter the vial or reuse syringes and needles to avoid infection. Always have a healthcare professional administer the drug to ensure proper technique and safety.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Reported cases of anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock (including fatal cases) after initial or re-exposure to Palivizumab. Severe hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, dyspnea, respiratory failure, cyanosis, hypotension, and unresponsiveness, may also occur.
• Coagulation Disorders: Use Palivizumab with caution in children who have thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder because it is administered intramuscularly.
• RSV Diagnostic Test Interference: Palivizumab can interfere with certain RSV diagnostic tests, especially antigen detection-based assays and viral culture assays, leading to false-negative results. It does not interfere with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based assays.

Precautions

Palivizumab is for intramuscular use only. You should administer Palivizumab carefully to avoid hypersensitivity reactions. If a significant reaction occurs, stop using Palivizumab immediately and administer appropriate treatments like epinephrine, along with supportive care. 

For mild reactions, use clinical judgment to decide whether to readminister Palivizumab cautiously. Always administer Palivizumab immediately after withdrawing the dose from the single-dose vial, as it does not contain preservatives. Do not re-enter the vial, and discard any unused portion.

Side Effects

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Common Side Effects of Palivizumab:

• Fever
• Rash
• Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling)
• Mild hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, pruritus)

Rare or Severe Side Effects of Palivizumab:

• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction, including shock)
• Respiratory issues (e.g., dyspnea, respiratory failure, cyanosis)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Coagulation disorders (increased bleeding risk)
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema, unresponsiveness)

Word Of Advice

When using palivizumab, monitor for hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, and prepare to treat with epinephrine if needed. Use with caution in patients with coagulation disorders due to the intramuscular route. Be aware that palivizumab can interfere with certain RSV diagnostic tests, leading to false negatives; RT-PCR is preferred for confirmation. 

Administer immediately after withdrawal from the vial and discard any unused portion. Remember, palivizumab is for the prevention of RSV, not the treatment of active infection.

Frequently Asked Question

• Who is given palivizumab?
• Palivizumab is given to high-risk infants and young children, including those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), premature birth (≤35 weeks gestation), or significant congenital heart disease (CHD), to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

• What is the mechanism of palivizumab?
• Palivizumab works by binding to the RSV F protein on the surface of the virus. This prevents the virus from entering and infecting healthy cells. It also stops RSV-infected cells from fusing with nearby cells, helping to reduce the spread of the infection.

• Is palivizumab a live vaccine?
• No, palivizumab is not a live vaccine. It is a monoclonal antibody that provides passive immunity against RSV.

• What is the route of palivizumab?
• Palivizumab is administered via intramuscular injection. It is given into the muscle, typically in the thigh or buttock. The injection is usually performed by a healthcare professional.

• How often is palivizumab given?
• Palivizumab is given as a monthly injection during the RSV season, typically starting in the autumn and continuing through the winter months. The usual duration of treatment is five doses, depending on the length of the RSV season and the child’s risk factors.