Pemivibart

Pediatric Medication
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This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Pemgarda

Warning
  • Allergic reactions have happened with this drug. Rarely, severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions have happened. Your child will be watched closely while getting this drug and for at least 2 hours after the dose.

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used in certain people to prevent COVID-19.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
  • If your child has COVID-19 or has been around someone who has COVID-19. This drug is not used in these cases.
  • If your child has had a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 weeks.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Allergic reactions and infusion reactions have happened more than 24 hours after getting this drug.
  • This drug is not to be taken in place of a COVID-19 vaccine. Follow what the doctor has told you to do.
  • After getting the vaccine, have your child continue to do things that prevent the spread of COVID-19 as recommended by local public health officials. These include washing hands often, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from other people, and avoiding crowds.
  • Viruses can change over time. This drug may not help protect against all forms of the COVID-19 virus. Tell the doctor right away if your child starts to have signs of COVID-19 like fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or other breathing problems; feeling tired or weak; muscle or body aches; headache; taste or smell changes; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; or diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs during or after the infusion like fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat; dizziness or passing out; headache; upset stomach; fever or chills; chest pain; sweating; flushing; muscle pain; feeling confused, tired, or weak; swelling of the hands or feet; throat irritation; or ringing in the ears. These may be other signs of an allergic reaction or infusion reaction.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

  • Signs of a common cold.
  • Flu-like signs.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

  • Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

  • This drug will be given in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Additional Information

Fact sheets for patients, parents, and caregivers are available to give information to properly inform the adult receiving the drug or, in the case of a minor, the child’s parent or legal representative about the risks and benefits of the drug. The provider is required to give a copy of the fact sheet.

https://www.fda.gov/media/177069/download?attachment

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-03-28

Copyright

© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Last Updated

Sunday, March 31, 2024