Have you been prescribed Fedratinib? You must know these things (Fedratinib Capsules)

It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when starting a cancer treatment. Fedratinib is a special drug given for this type of cancer . So it's very important that you have a clear understanding of this drug, how it works, and what it can do. Let's talk about all of this in a simple way that you can understand.

What kind of medicine is Fedratinib?

Simply put, Fedratinib is a drug used to treat a type of bone marrow cancer. The bone marrow inside our bones is like a factory that makes our blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets ). In some types of cancer, the process in this factory goes awry.

This drug works by blocking the action of a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow, divide, and multiply. It's like turning off a switch that keeps cancer cells alive. This stops the spread of cancer cells and helps control the disease.

You may find this medicine at the pharmacy under the brand name INREBIC .

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Your doctor will ask about your complete health history before deciding to give you this medicine. However, sometimes we forget things. So, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.

• Previous blood clots: If you have had a blood clot in your leg, lung, or elsewhere.
• Other Cancers: This refers to any cancer other than bone marrow cancer.
• Heart attack or heart disease : If you have had a heart attack before or have other heart disease.
• Kidney disease : If there is any impairment in the functioning of the kidneys.
• Liver disease : If you have any liver disease.
• Low blood cell count: If your blood tests show a low white blood cell , platelet, or red blood cell count.
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency: If you have previously been diagnosed with a vitamin B1 deficiency.
• Stroke: If you have had a previous stroke.
• Tobacco use: If you are a smoker.
• Allergies: If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or dye, not just to Fedratinib.
• Pregnancy: This is very important if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant .
• Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should definitely mention that.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Using a medicine like this exactly and in the correct manner is very important for the success of the treatment.

• Directions: This is a capsule. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not break or crush the capsule.
• Time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. Once you make this a habit, you'll be less likely to forget.
• Food: You can take this medicine with or without food. However, some people may experience mild stomach upset or nausea after taking this medicine. If this happens, take the medicine with a meal. This will reduce the discomfort to a great extent.
• Stopping: Continue taking this medicine until your doctor says, "Enough, stop." Do not stop taking it even if you feel better.

Be sure to remember: Thiamine is a vitamin!

This is very important. When you take Fedratinib, your body may have low levels of thiamine, a vitamin B1 that is essential for the healthy functioning of our brain and nervous system.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Anyone can forget. Don't worry if you miss a dose.

• Skip the missed period completely.
• Take your next dose of medicine at the scheduled time.
• Never take two doses of medicine at once to make up for a missed dose.

What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

If you think you've accidentally taken too much medicine, don't delay.

• Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
• Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Fedratinib is a drug that can interact with some other medications and foods. This interaction may decrease or increase the effectiveness of Fedratinib, or increase the side effects. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

This list is not complete. Therefore, it is safest to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, herbal remedy, or traditional medicine you are taking.

Things to be careful about when taking medication

• Medical tests: The doctor will give you a date to come back. Go exactly on those dates. You will need to have blood tests to see how the medicine is affecting your body, to see if there are any side effects, and so on.
• Diet and vitamins: It's important to make sure you're getting enough thiamine (vitamin B1). Talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you're taking.
• Heart Health: This medication may slightly increase the risk of heart disease in some people. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain down your left arm , do not ignore it. Seek medical advice immediately.
• Cancer risk: This medicine may increase the risk of some other types of cancer. Don't worry about this. However, it's a good idea to be open and informed about this with your doctor.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Fedratinib can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. However, it is important to be aware of them so that if any symptoms occur, you can take action quickly.

How should I store the medicine? What do I do if I have leftovers?

• Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius), away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Expired Medicine: Do not use any medicine after the expiration date.
• Disposal: Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications. Never flush them down the toilet. If you are disposing of them in the trash, remove the capsules from the bottle or packet. Mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and place them in a tightly sealed bag or container and dispose of them in the trash. This will help prevent them from getting into the hands of other people or animals.