In our country, the flu , which comes with fever, chills , and body aches, is very common at certain times, isn't it? This is a little more severe than a common cold. So when you go to see a doctor at a time like this, he may prescribe a medicine called Baloxavir Marboxil for you or your child. You may have seen this name under the brand name Xofluza. So, today we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
Simply put, what is Baloxavir Marboxil?
This is a medicine that is given to prevent and treat infections caused by the influenza virus . It works by slowing down the spread of the flu virus in your body. It also helps shorten the time you have symptoms.
However, here you need to remember a few important things :
- This is not a medicine for the common cold or bacterial infections. It only works against the flu virus.
- This medicine is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccine . Getting the vaccine is a separate procedure.
- Perhaps the doctor can also recommend this medicine for other medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
For your safety and to get the most out of your medication, be sure to discuss these points with your doctor before using this medication.
- If you have recently received a vaccine or are planning to receive one in the future.
- If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine (Baloxavir Marboxil) or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Giving this information to your doctor will greatly help him provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
Since this usually comes as a liquid, it is a suspension `(Since it comes as a suspension, shake the bottle well before using it. Then, measure the correct dose using only the specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper that comes with the medicine.
Do not measure medicine with regular teaspoons found in the kitchen. The measurement may not be accurate, so the dose you receive may vary.
You can take this medicine with or without food. However, if you feel a little upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.
Very important: Things you should not take with this medicine!
This is the most important thing you need to know about this medicine. If you take certain mineral-containing foods at the same time as this medicine, the absorption of the medicine into the body may be reduced. This means that the effectiveness of the medicine will be reduced.
| Mineral salts containing things to avoid | Examples (Do not take these while taking medication) |
|---|---|
| Calcium | Milk, yogurt, cheese, vitamin pills containing calcium, and some antacids. |
| Iron | Vitamins or supplements containing iron. |
| Magnesium | Some antacids and vitamins containing magnesium. |
| Selenium | Vitamins or supplements containing selenium. |
| Zinc | Vitamins or supplements containing zinc. |
Okay, so what do you do if you really want to buy these things?Take this medicine at a different time of day than when you are taking it. If you have any doubts about this, it is best to talk to your doctor.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, don't panic. But take action immediately. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. It is best if you can take the medicine bottle with you.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | If you notice anything like a skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat , seek medical advice immediately. |
| If it persists or becomes bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Diarrhea | The stomach is empty. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage: Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Keep the medicine in the original container until you are ready to take it.
- Very important: This medicine should be used within 10 hours of receiving it from the pharmacy. Even if it is not used, it should be discarded after 10 hours.
- Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to donate them to a program that provides this. You can ask your pharmacy about this. If that is not possible, remove the medication from the bottle, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a tightly sealed bag, and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if your symptoms are the same as yours.
Take-Home Message
- Baloxavir Marboxil is a medicine given for the flu virus (influenza). It is not given for the common cold.
- When taking this medicine , avoid taking milk, yogurt, cheese, and vitamins containing calcium, iron, and zinc at the same time. This is very important.
- This is not a replacement for the annual flu vaccine. The vaccine must be obtained separately.
- Use the special measuring device that comes with the medicine to measure it.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms such as skin rash, itching, or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about all other medications you take.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment