Do you also experience unbearable pain and burning sensation on your skin when exposed to the sun? For some people, this is not normal, and it can be a symptom of a rare condition called Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) . For someone with this condition, sunlight is a very painful experience. Today, we are going to talk about a special medicine that is given to help such people, but with a slightly different approach.
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What is Afamelanotide injection?
Simply put, Afamelanotide is a drug that helps reduce the damage to your skin from the sun and the pain it causes. It is specifically used for people with the condition we mentioned earlier called Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP).
Imagine, EPP is a rare condition caused by a genetic cause. In this, a chemical called 'protoporphyrin' in our body accumulates in large amounts in the blood. When these people go out in the sun, that chemical is activated and damages the skin, causing severe pain and inflammation. The drug Afamelanotide works by increasing the production of the skin's protective pigment (melanin) and increasing its ability to withstand sunlight. Therefore, it is possible to go out to some extent without pain. This drug is marketed under the name SCENESSE .
Things you need to tell your doctor before undergoing this treatment
This is not a pill or a cream. It is a small implant that is placed under the skin. Therefore, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor before starting this treatment. Be sure to inform him about the following things.
- About your allergies: Be sure to tell us if you have any allergies, not just to Afamelanotide, but to any other medicine, food, preservative, or coloring.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: It is not yet fully known how this medicine will affect pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are expecting a baby in the near future.
- If you are a nursing mother: It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Therefore, for the safety of your baby, tell your doctor if you are a nursing mother before treatment.
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Check Availability →How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is a small implant. This implant, about the size of a grain of rice, is carefully placed under the skin in your abdomen by a trained doctor.
- The insertion site should be kept clean and dry for 24 hours . This means it should not be exposed to water.
- Usually after two monthsThe doctor will remove the old implant. If you need continued treatment, a new implant can be placed back in place.
- Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children, so talk to your pediatrician about it.
Important note: This medication has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What do you do in an emergency?
Remember, if you suspect that you have overdosed on this medicine, do not panic. Go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to consider when undergoing treatment
It's important to take a little care of your body while undergoing this treatment.
- Regular medical check-ups: Be sure to go for check-ups on the dates your doctor gives you. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they seem to be getting worse.
- Skin examination: This medication may cause your skin, freckles, and moles to become darker. Therefore, it is important to have your entire skin examined by a doctor at least twice a year .
- Implant expulsion: Very rarely, this implant, which is under the skin, can come out (expel) on its own. If you think the implant has come out, call your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
As with any medication, there are some possible side effects. Let's take a look at what they are. These can be divided into two main categories.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching or rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Pain at the implant site | Excruciating pain at the site of insertion. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Various features | Cough, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue. |
| Changes in the implant placement | Redness or slight pain/burning at the insertion site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, please contact your doctor for advice.
Can there be problems with other medications?
This medication has not been reported to cause interactions with other medications. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't tell your doctor about every medication you take.
Give your doctor a list of everything you use. It should include the following:
- Prescription drugs for other diseases
- Non-prescription drugs
- Traditional medicines, herbs
- Vitamins and dietary supplements
Additionally, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medication.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Afamelanotide is a special medication that reduces the pain of sun-sensitive skin caused by a rare condition called Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP).
- This is not a medicine you take home, but a small implant that is placed under the skin by a trained doctor.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all allergies you have, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and all medications you are taking.
- During treatment, be aware of any changes in skin color. Check your skin at least twice a year. If the implant falls out on its own, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms, such as facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
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