RSV-IGIV to prevent RSV infection

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin intravenous (RSV-IGIV)	RespiGam

How It Works

RSV-IGIV is used to help prevent or reduce complications of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. RSV-IGIV is made up of several proteins (antibodies) obtained from many human blood donors. The antibodies were created by the donors' natural defence (immune) systems to fight RSV.

RSV-IGIV is given through a vein (intravenous, or IV) in monthly doses for the entire RSV season (usually from November through March). It is given over about 4 hours in a hospital or doctor's office or at home.

Why It Is Used

RSV-IGIV is given only to help prevent RSV in children who have a high risk of developing complications, such as those with chronic lung disease or heart problems. If your baby was born early or has health problems, talk to your doctor about the need to prevent RSV.

Palivizumab, another type of monoclonal antibody used to prevent RSV, is generally preferred over RSV-IGIV. However, either medicine can be given for children at risk for RSV complications.

This medicine is not an effective treatment for children already infected with RSV. This medicine should also not be given to children who have a cyanotic congenital heart defect.

How Well It Works

RSV-IGIV provides moderate protection for babies.¹ Children with chronic lung disease or heart disease were shown to have fewer hospital stays and fewer stays in intensive care when they were given preventive treatment with RSV-IGIV or palivizumab (monoclonal antibody).² (Palivizumab is another type of antibody used to prevent RSV in high-risk babies.)

Side Effects

Side effects of RSV-IGIV are uncommon but can include:

• Allergic reaction.
• Fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pulmonary edema.

Although there is a potential for contracting HIV infection, hepatitis, or other diseases from the blood product that makes up RSV-IGIV, the risk is extremely rare. All blood donors are carefully screened and blood products are treated for viruses. This process has virtually completely eliminated any risk of exposure from RSV-IGIV.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Immunizations with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and chicken pox vaccines should not be given for 9 months after the last dose of RSV-IGIV. The medicine prevents the child from developing antibodies to these vaccines. Other immunizations should be given as scheduled according to the childhood immunization schedule. Children who receive RSV-IGIV do not need an extra dose of any vaccine beyond the normal recommendations.³

Palivizumab, another type of antibody used to prevent RSV in high-risk babies, may be preferred over RSV-IGIV. A child taking palivizumab can be immunized against other diseases without waiting.

Preventive treatment with RSV-IGIV should continue throughout the RSV season, regardless of whether a child gets RSV. Different strains of RSV can circulate within a community during the same year, so treatment with RSV-IGIV may still offer protection from infection.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH Carrie Henley	Last Updated: November 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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