Respigam (Intravenous)

Generic name:respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin, human (intravenous route) [ RES-pi-ra-tor-ee-sin-SISH-al-VYE-rus-i-MUNE-GLOB-ue-lin, HUE-man ]
Drug class:Immune globulins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Respigam

Uses for Respigam

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.

Before using Respigam

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Children 24 months of age and older: Use is not recommended. Use is not recommended in children born with chronic heart disease. Also, too much fluid in the body is more likely to occur in infants and children with underlying lung disease.

Geriatric

RSV-IGIV has been tested only in infants and young children less than 24 months of age and there is no specific information about its use in older patients.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of t...