SYNAGIS
-
palivizumab injection, solution
MedImmune, LLC
----------
Synagis
SYNAGIS® (PALIVIZUMAB)
for Intramuscular Administration
Rx only
DESCRIPTION:
Synagis (palivizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1κ ) produced by recombinant DNA technology, directed to an epitope in the A antigenic site of the F protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Synagis is a composite of human (95%) and murine (5%) antibody sequences. The human heavy chain sequence was derived from the constant domains of human IgG1 and the variable framework regions of the VH genes Cor (1) and Cess (2). The human light chain sequence was derived from the constant domain of Cκ and the variable framework regions of the VL gene K104 with Jκ -4 (3). The murine sequences were derived from a murine monoclonal antibody, Mab 1129 (4), in a process that involved the grafting of the murine complementarity determining regions into the human antibody frameworks. Synagis is composed of two heavy chains and two light chains and has a molecular weight of approximately 148,000 Daltons.
Synagis is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free liquid solution at 100 mg/mL to be administered by intramuscular injection (IM). Thimerosal or other mercury containing salts are not used in the production of Synagis. The solution has a pH of 6.0 and should appear clear or slightly opalescent.
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.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
Mechanism of Action: Synagis exhibits neutralizing and fusion-inhibitory activity against RSV. These activities inhibit RSV replication in laboratory experiments. Although resistant RSV strains may be isolated in laboratory studies, a panel of 57 clinical RSV isolates were all neutralized by Synagis (5). Synagis serum concentrations of ≥ 40 mcg/mL have been shown to reduce pulmonary RSV replication in the cotton rat model of RSV infection by 100-fold (5). The in vivo neutralizing activity of the active ingredient in Synagis was assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled study of 35 pediatric patients tracheally intubated because of RSV disease. In these patients, Synagis significantly reduced the quantity of RSV in the lower respiratory tract compared to control patients (6).
Pharmacokinetics: In pediatric patients < 24 months of age without congenital heart disease (CHD), the mean half-life of Synagis was 20 days and monthly intramuscular doses of 15 mg/kg achieved mean ±SD 30 day trough serum drug concentrations of 37± 21 mcg/mL after the first injection, 57 ± 41 mcg/mL after the second injection, 68 ± 51 mcg/mL after the third injection and 72 ± 50 mcg/mL after the fourth injection (7). Trough concentrations following the first and fourth Synagis dose were similar in children with CHD and in non-cardiac patients. In pediatric patients given Synagis for a second season, the mean ±SD serum concentrations following the first and fourth injections were 61 ± 17 mcg/mL and 86 ± 31mcg/mL, respectively.
In 139 pediatric patients ≤ 24 months of age with hemodynamically significant CHD who received Synagis and underwent cardio-pulmonary bypass for open-heart surgery, the mean ± SD serum Synagis concentration was 98+ 52 mcg/mL before bypass and declined to 41+ 33 mcg/mL after bypass, a reduction of 58% (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). The clinical significance of this reduction is unknown.
Specific studies were not conducted to evaluate the effects of demographic parameters on Synagis systemic exposure. However, no effects of gender, age, body weight or race on Synagis serum trough concentrations were observed in a clinical study with 639 pediatric patients with CHD (≤24 months of age) receiving five monthly intramuscular injections of 15 mg/kg of Synagis.
The pharmacokinetics and safety of Synagis liquid solution and Synagis lyophilized formulation administered IM at 15 mg/kg were studied in a cross-over trial of 153 pediatric patients ≤6 months of age with a history of prematurity. The results of this trial indicated that the trough serum concentrations of palivizumab were comparable between the liquid solution and the lyophilized formulation, which was the formulation used in the clinical studies described below.
CLINICAL STUDIES:
The safety and efficacy of Synagis were assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of prophylaxis against RSV infection in pediatric patients at high risk of an RSV-related hospitalization. Trial 1 was conducted during a single RSV season and studied a total of 1,502 patients ≤ 24 months of age with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or infants with premature birth (≤ 35 weeks gestation) who were ≤ 6 months of age at study entry (7). Trial 2 was conducted over four consecutive seasons among a total of 1287 patients ≤ 24 months of age with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease. In both trials participants received 15 mg/kg Synagis or an equivalent volume of placebo IM monthly for five injections and were followed for 150 days from randomization. In Trial 1, 99% of all subjects completed the study and 93% completed all five injections. In Trial 2, 96% of all subjects completed the study and 92% completed all five injections. The incidence of RSV hospitalization is shown in Table 1.
| Trial | Placebo | Synagis | Difference Between Groups | Relative Reduction | p-Value | |
| Trial 1
Impact-RSV | N | 500 | 1002 | |||
| Hospitalization | 53 (10.6%) | 48 (4.8%) | 5.8% | 55% | <0.001 | |
| Trial 2
CHD | N | 648 | 639 | |||
| Hospitalization | 63 (9.7%) | 34 (5.3%) | 4.4% | 45% | 0.003 |
In Trial 1, the reduction of RSV hospitalization was observed both in patients with BPD (34/266 [12.8%] placebo vs. 39/496 [7.9%] Synagis), and in premature infants without BPD (19/234 [8.1%] placebo vs. 9/506 [1.8%] Synagis). In Trial 2, reductions were observed in acyanotic (36/305 [11.8%] placebo versus 15/300 [5.0%] Synagis) and cyanotic children (27/343 [7.9%] placebo versus 19/339 [5.6%] Synagis).
The clinical studies do not suggest that RSV infection was less severe among RSV hospitalized patients who received Synagis compared to those who received placebo.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE:
Synagis is indicated for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pediatric patients at high risk of RSV disease. Safety and efficacy were established in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), infants with a history of premature birth (≤ 35 weeks gestational age), and children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) (see CLINICAL STUDIES).
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Synagis should not be used in pediatric patients with a history of a severe prior reaction to Synagis or other components of this product.
WARNINGS:
Very rare cases of anaphylaxis (<1 case per 100,000 patients) have been reported following re-exposure to Synagis (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Marketing Experience). Severe acute hypersensitivity reactions, estimated to be rare, (<1 case per 1,000 patients) have also been reported on initial exposure or re-exposure to Synagis (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Marketing Experience). If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, therapy with Synagis should be permanently discontinued. If milder hypersensitivity reactions occur, caution should be used on readministration of Synagis. If anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions occur, administer appropriate medications (e.g., epinephrine) and provide supportive care as required.
PRECAUTIONS:
General:
Synagis is for intramuscular use only. As with any intramuscular injection, Synagis should be given with caution to patients with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder.
The safety and efficacy of Synagis have not been demonstrated for treatment of established RSV disease.
The single-dose vial of Synagis does not contain a preservative. Administration of Synagis should occur immediately after dose withdrawal from the vial. The vial should not be re-entered. Discard any unused portion.
Drug Interactions:
No formal drug-drug interaction studies were conducted. In Trial 1, the proportions of patients in the placebo and Synagis groups who received routine childhood vaccines, influenza vaccine, bronchodilators or corticosteroids were similar and no incremental increase in adverse reactions was observed among patients receiving these agents.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and reproductive toxicity studies have not been performed.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy Category C:
Synagis is not indicated for adult usage and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. It is also not known whether Synagis can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or could affect reproductive capacity.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
The most serious adverse reactions occurring with Synagis treatment are anaphylaxis and other acute hypersensitivity reactions (see WARNINGS). The adverse reactions most commonly observed in Synagis-treated patients were upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media, fever, rhinitis, rash, diarrhea, cough, vomiting, gastroenteritis, and wheezing. Upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media, fever, and rhinitis occurred at a rate of 1% or greater in the Synagis group compared to placebo (Table 2).
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse event rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reaction information does, however, provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear to be related to drug use and a basis for approximating rates.
The data described reflect Synagis exposure for 1641 pediatric patients of age 3 days to 24.1 months in Trials 1 and 2. Among these patients, 496 had bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 506 were premature birth infants less than 6 months of age, and 639 had congenital heart disease. Adverse events observed in the 153 patient crossover study comparing the liquid and lyophilized formulations were similar between the two formulations, and similar to the adverse events observed with Synagis in Trials 1 and 2.
| Event | Synagis (n=1641)
n (%) | Placebo (n=1148)
n (%) |
| Upper respiratory infection | 830 (50.6) | 544 (47.4) |
| Otitis media | 597 (36.4) | 397 (34.6) |
| Fever | 446 (27.1) | 289 (25.2) |
| Rhinitis | 439 (26.8) | 282 (24.6) |
| Hernia | 68 (4.1) | 30 (2.6) |
| SGOT Increase | 49 (3.0) | 20 (1.7) |
| †Cyanosis (Synagis [9.1%]/ placebo [6.9%]) and arrhythmia (Synagis [3.1%]/placebo [1.7%]) were reported during Trial 2 in CHD patients. | ||
Immunogenicity
In Trial 1, the incidence of anti-Synagis antibody following the fourth injection was 1.1% in the placebo group and 0.7% in the Synagis group. In pediatric patients receiving Synagis for a second season, one of the fifty-six patients had transient, low titer reactivity. This reactivity was not associated with adverse events or alteration in serum concentrations. Immunogenicity was not assessed in Trial 2.
These data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to Synagis in an ELISA assay, and are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including sample handling, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to Synagis with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.
With any monoclonal antibody, the possibility exists that a liquid solution may be more immunogenic than a lyophilized formulation. The relative immunogenicity rates between the lyophilized formulation, used in Trials 1 and 2 above, and the liquid solution have not yet been established.
Post-Marketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified and reported during post-approval use of Synagis. Because the reports of these reactions are voluntary and the population is of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency of the reaction or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50,000/microliter)
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: injection site reactions
Immune System Disorders: severe acute hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis (including dyspnea, cyanosis, respiratory failure, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, hypotonia and unresponsiveness) have been reported (see WARNINGS). None of the reported hypersensitivity reactions were fatal. The relationship between these reactions and the development of antibodies to Synagis is unknown.
Limited information from post-marketing reports suggests that, within a single RSV season, adverse events after a sixth or greater dose of Synagis are similar in character and frequency to those after the initial five doses.
OVERDOSAGE:
No data from clinical studies are available on overdosage. No toxicity was observed in rabbits administered a single intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of Synagis at a dose of 50 mg/kg.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
The recommended dose of Synagis is 15 mg/kg of body weight. Patients, including those who develop an RSV infection, should continue to receive monthly doses throughout the RSV season. The first dose should be administered prior to commencement of the RSV season. In the northern hemisphere, the RSV season typically commences in November and lasts through April, but it may begin earlier or persist later in certain communities.
Synagis serum levels are decreased after cardio-pulmonary bypass (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Patients undergoing cardio-pulmonary bypass should receive a dose of Synagis as soon as possible after the cardio-pulmonary bypass procedure (even if sooner than a month from the previous dose). Thereafter, doses should be administered monthly.
Synagis should be administered in a dose of 15 mg/kg intramuscularly using aseptic technique, preferably in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. The gluteal muscle should not be used routinely as an injection site because of the risk of damage to the sciatic nerve. The dose per month = patient weight (kg) x 15 mg/kg ÷ 100 mg/mL of Synagis. Injection volumes over 1 mL should be given as a divided dose.
Administration of Synagis
-
DO NOT DILUTE THE PRODUCT
-
DO NOT SHAKE OR VIGOROUSLY AGITATE THE VIAL
- Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use any vials exhibiting particulate matter or discoloration.
- Using aseptic techniques, attach a sterile needle to a sterile syringe. Remove the flip top from the Synagis vial, and wipe the rubber stopper with a disinfectant (e.g., 70% isopropyl alcohol). Insert the needle into the vial, and withdraw into the syringe an appropriate volume of solution. Administer immediately after drawing the dose into the syringe.
- Synagis is supplied as a single-dose vial and does not contain preservatives. Do not re-enter the vial after withdrawal of drug; discard unused portion. Only administer one dose per vial.
- To prevent the transmission of hepatitis viruses or other infectious agents from one person to another, sterile disposable syringes and needles should be used. DO NOT reuse syringes and needles.
HOW SUPPLIED:
Synagis is supplied in single-dose vials as a preservative-free, sterile liquid solution at 100 mg/mL for IM injection.
50 mg vial NDC 60574-4114-1
The 50 mg vial contains 50 mg Synagis in 0.5 mL.
100 mg vial NDC 60574-4113-1
The 100 mg vial contains 100 mg Synagis in 1 mL.
There is no latex in the rubber stopper used for sealing vials of Synagis. Upon receipt and until use, Synagis should be stored between 2ºC and 8ºC (35.6ºF and 46.4ºF) in its original container. DO NOT freeze. DO NOT use beyond the expiration date.
REFERENCES:
- Press E, and Hogg N. The Amino Acid Sequences of the Fd Fragments of Two Human Gamma-1 Heavy Chains. Biochem. J. 1970; 117:641-660.
- Takahashi N, Noma T, and Honjo T. Rearranged Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Variable Region (VH) Pseudogene that Deletes the Second Complementarity-Determining Region. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 1984; 81:5194-5198.
- Bentley D, and Rabbitts T. Human Immunoglobulin Variable Region Genes - DNA Sequences of Two Vκ Genes and a Pseudogene. Nature 1980; 288:730-733.
- Beeler JA, and Van Wyke Coelingh K. Neutralization Epitopes of the F Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Effect of Mutation Upon Fusion Function. J. Virology 1989; 63:2941-2950.
- Johnson S, Oliver C, Prince GA, et al. Development of a Humanized Monoclonal Antibody (MEDI-493) with Potent In Vitro and In Vivo Activity Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus. J. Infect. Dis. 1997; 176:1215-1224.
- Malley R, DeVincenzo J, Ramilo O, et al. Reduction of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Tracheal Aspirates in Intubated Infants by Use of Humanized Monoclonal Antibody to RSV F Protein. J. Infect. Dis. 1998; 178:1555-1561.
- The IMpact RSV Study Group. Palivizumab, a Humanized Respiratory Syncytial Virus Monoclonal Antibody, Reduces Hospitalization From Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in High-Risk Infants. Pediatrics 1998; 102:531-537.
Synagis® is a registered trademark of MedImmune, LLC
Manufactured by:
MedImmune, LLC
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
U.S. Gov't. License No. 1799
(1-877-633-4411)
Revision Date: March 2009 RAL-SYNV12
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
SYNAGIS® (SĬ-nă-jĭs)
(palivizumab)
Read this Patient Information before your child starts receiving SYNAGIS and before each injection. The information may have changed. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your child’s healthcare provider about your child’s condition or treatment.
What is SYNAGIS?
SYNAGIS is a prescription medication that is used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Your child is prescribed SYNAGIS because he or she is at high risk for severe lung disease from RSV.
SYNAGIS contains man-made, disease-fighting proteins called antibodies. These antibodies help prevent RSV disease. Children at high risk for severe RSV disease often do not have enough of their own antibodies. SYNAGIS is used in certain groups of children to help prevent severe RSV disease by increasing protective RSV antibodies.
SYNAGIS is not used to treat the symptoms of RSV disease, once a child already has it. It is only used to prevent RSV disease.
SYNAGIS is not for adults.
Who should not receive SYNAGIS?
Your child should not receive SYNAGIS if they have ever had a severe allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction could include:
- severe rash, hives or itching skin
- difficult, rapid or irregular breathing
- closing of the throat, difficulty swallowing
- swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- bluish color of skin, lips or under fingernails
- muscle weakness or floppiness
- unresponsiveness
See the end of this leaflet for a list of ingredients in SYNAGIS.
What should I tell my child’s healthcare provider before my child receives SYNAGIS?
Tell your child’s healthcare provider about:
-
Any reactions you believe your child has ever had to SYNAGIS.
- All your child’s medical problems, including any bleeding or bruising problems. SYNAGIS is given by injection. If your child has a problem with bleeding or bruises easily, an injection could cause a problem.
- All the medicines your child takes, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child takes a blood thinner medicine.
How is SYNAGIS given?
- SYNAGIS is given as a monthly injection, usually in the thigh (leg) muscle, by your child’s healthcare provider. Your child’s healthcare provider will prescribe the amount of SYNAGIS that is right for your child (based on their weight).
- Your child’s healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on when SYNAGIS will be given.
- “RSV season” is a term used to describe the time of year when RSV infections most commonly occur (usually fall through spring). During this time, when RSV is most active, your child will need to receive SYNAGIS shots. Your child’s healthcare provider can tell you when the RSV season starts in your area.
- Your child should receive their first SYNAGIS shot before the RSV season starts to help protect them before RSV becomes active. If the season has already started, your child should receive their first SYNAGIS shot as soon as possible to help protect them when exposure to the virus is more likely.
- SYNAGIS is needed every 28-30 days during the RSV season. Each dose of SYNAGIS helps protect your child from severe RSV disease for about a month. Keep all appointments with your child’s healthcare provider.
- “RSV season” is a term used to describe the time of year when RSV infections most commonly occur (usually fall through spring). During this time, when RSV is most active, your child will need to receive SYNAGIS shots. Your child’s healthcare provider can tell you when the RSV season starts in your area.
-
If your child misses an injection, talk to your healthcare provider and schedule another injection as soon as possible.
- Your child may still get severe RSV disease after receiving SYNAGIS. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about what symptoms to look for.
- If your child already has an RSV infection and is sick, they still need to get their scheduled SYNAGIS injections to help prevent severe disease from new RSV infections.
- If your child has certain types of heart disease and has corrective surgery, your healthcare provider may need to give your child an additional SYNAGIS injection soon after surgery.
What are the possible side effects of SYNAGIS?
Over one million babies have been given SYNAGIS. Like all medicines, SYNAGIS has been associated with side effects in some patients. Most of the time, the side effects are not serious. If side effects do occur, your child may need medical attention.
Possible, serious side effects include:
- Severe allergic reactions (may occur after any dose of SYNAGIS). See “Who should not take SYNAGIS?” for a list of signs and symptoms.
- Unusual bruising and/or groups of tiny red spots on the skin.
Call your child’s healthcare provider or get medical help right away if your child has any of the serious side effects listed above after any dose of SYNAGIS.
Common side effects of SYNAGIS include:
- fever
- cold-like symptoms (upper respiratory infection), including runny nose and ear infection
- rash
Other possible side effects include skin reactions around the area where the shot was given (like redness, swelling, warmth, or discomfort).
In children born with certain types of heart disease, other possible side effects include bluish color of the skin, lips or under fingernails and abnormal heart rhythms.
These are not all the possible side effects of SYNAGIS. Tell your child’s healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers your child or that does not go away.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or call MedImmune at 1-877-633-4411.
General Information about SYNAGIS
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in Patient Information leaflets.
This leaflet summarizes important information about SYNAGIS. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about SYNAGIS that is written for health professionals.
For more information, go to www.synagis.com or call 1-877-633-4411.
What are the ingredients in SYNAGIS?
Active Ingredient: palivizumab
Inactive Ingredients: histidine, glycine, and chloride
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that is easily spread from person to person. RSV infects nearly all children by their second birthday. In most children, RSV infection is usually no worse than a bad cold. For some children, RSV infection can cause serious lung disease (like pneumonia and bronchiolitis) or breathing problems, and affected children may need to be admitted to the hospital or need emergency care.
Children who are more likely to get severe RSV disease (high risk children) include babies born prematurely (35 weeks or less), or babies born with certain heart or lung problems.
Issued March 2009 RAL-SYNV12
Synagis® is a registered trademark of MedImmune, LLC.
Manufactured by: MedImmune, LLC
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 60574-4114-1
Store between 2° and 8° C.
Single-dose vial.
Discard unused portion
For intramuscular injection.
SYNAGIS®
PALIVIZUMAB
50 mg/ 0.5 mL
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 60574-4113-1
Store between 2° and 8° C.
Single-dose vial.
Discard unused portion
For intramuscular injection.
SYNAGIS®
PALIVIZUMAB
100 mg/mL
| SYNAGIS
palivizumab injection, solution |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing Information | |||
| Marketing Category | Application Number or Monograph Citation | Marketing Start Date | Marketing End Date |
| BLA | BLA103770 | 06/19/1998 | |
| SYNAGIS
palivizumab injection, solution |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing Information | |||
| Marketing Category | Application Number or Monograph Citation | Marketing Start Date | Marketing End Date |
| BLA | BLA103770 | 12/09/1999 | |
| Labeler - MedImmune, LLC (489176682) |