Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin, Human (RSV) (By injection)
RES-pi-ra-tor-ee sin-SISH-al VYE-rus i-MUNE GLOB-ue-lin, HUE-man
Prevents serious lung infections caused by RSV in babies born prematurely or those who have lung problems.
Drug classes
Immune Serum (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin intravenous (RSV-IGIV) belongs to a group of medicines known as immunizing agents. RSV-IGIV is used to prevent infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV-IGIV works by giving your body the antibodies it needs to protect it against RSV infection.
RSV infection can cause serious problems, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, which affect the lungs; and in severe cases, even death. These problems are more likely to occur in infants and young children less than 6 months of age with chronic lung disease, those born with heart problems, and those with a history of premature birth.
Onset of RSV activity usually occurs in November and continues through April or early May, with peak activity occurring from late January through mid-February. A good way to help prevent RSV infection is to get RSV-IGIV before the start of the RSV season.
RSV-IGIV is used to prevent serious lower respiratory tract infection caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children less than 24 months of age with breathing problems or a history of premature birth.
RSV-IGIV is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your child’s doctor will prescribe the exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your child the shots.
This medicine is usually given once a month during the time of year that RSV is most common.
If a dose is missed:
Your child needs to receive these shots on a fixed schedule. If you must cancel an appointment, reschedule it as soon as possible.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
If your child receives any other type of vaccine (immunization), make sure the doctor or nurse knows that your child has received the RSV immune globulin.
When Not To Use
Your child should not receive this medicine if he or she has had an allergic reaction to RSV immune globulin or other immune globulin medicines.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if your child has lung or heart disease or has ever had heart surgery.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing, blue lips or skin
Drowsiness, fever, stiff muscles, discomfort in bright light, nausea and vomiting (up to 2 days after treatment)
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Slight fever
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Respigam
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
