RSV and Synagis Ingredients

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (sin-SISH-shul VI-rus) (RSV) is a very common virus. Usually, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose and fever, in adults and children. But premature babies or those with lung or heart problems have a high risk of getting very sick if they catch RSV. This is because premature babies do not have fully developed lungs. Also, because they were born early, they may not have received enough virus-fighting substances from their mothers that help them fight off RSV and other viruses.

Each year, an estimated 125,000 babies in the United States are hospitalized with severe RSV infections.1,2 In some cases severe RSV infections cause up to 500 childhood deaths annually. RSV may also be associated with more long-term health problems, such as asthma.3

RSV season usually starts in the fall and runs through the spring. But it can vary in different areas of the United States. Ask your child’s healthcare provider when RSV season occurs in your area.


Symptoms of an RSV Infection
Usually, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose and fever. However, in some babies, the symptoms can quickly get worse.

Call your healthcare provider if your baby has these symptoms:

Persistent coughing
Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
Rapid breathing
Problems breathing or gasping for breath

Be sure to ask your doctor about getting the synagis shot for your little one(s). For more information on the synagis shot please click here



What are the ingredients in Synagis?



Synagis, also known as Palivizumab, is an immunoblogulin commonly given to preemies and high risk children during RSV season (Fall to early Spring depending on where you are located). Synagis DOES NOT PREVENT RSV!!!! Many parents assume that these shots will prevent RSV but they are mistaken. The shot only helps to lessen the severity of RSV if the child were to get it. The ingredients in Synagis (Palivizumab):

Medicinal
- Palivizumab

Non-Medicinal
- Glycine
- Histidine
- Mannitol

Palivizumab is the active ingredient.

Glycine is an amino acid. It is not an essential amino acid. It is often used as a sweetener, neurotransmitter or dietary supplement. Glycine is used in Synagis as a stabilizer.

Histidine is an amino acid found in foods high in protein. Histidine is converted into histamine by the body. Histidine, is thought to be a detoxifier, removes heavy metals from the body, produces gastric juices, helps protect the body against damage caused by radiation, and helps the body to know when an allergic reaction is happening (by the histamine). Histidine is available as a supplement. It is used in Snyagis as a stabilizer.

Mannitol is another sweetener. It is poorly absorbed by the body so many junk food companies like to use this. Mannitol is also a diuretic. It is sometimes used for patients with brain injuries. Mannitol is used in Synagis as a stabilizer.

Each 100 mg single-dose vial of Synagis liquid solution contains 100 mg of Synagis, 3.9 mg of histidine, 0.1 mg of glycine, and 0.5 mg of chloride in a volume of 1 mL.

Each 50 mg single-dose vial of Synagis liquid solution contains 50 mg of Synagis, 1.9 mg of histidine, 0.06 mg of glycine, and 0.2 mg of chloride in a volume of 0.5 mL

Synagis is latex free and is available in a powder or liquid form and is made by Abbot Laboratories.