Has your doctor prescribed a new vaccine with a complicated name for a skin condition or joint problem? It might be called Ixekizumab (Ik-se-ki-su-mab). The name may sound a little scary, but don't worry. This is a special drug that helps many people. Today, we're going to talk about this drug in a very simple way, how it works, and what to be careful about when taking it.
What kind of medicine is Ixekizumab?
Simply put, Ixekizumab is a drug that suppresses the activity of your body's immune system. Sometimes the immune system, which is supposed to protect our bodies, mistakenly starts attacking our own cells. We call these autoimmune conditions . Psoriasis and arthritis are two such conditions.
So what this Ixekizumab vaccine does is calm down that part of the immune system that's overactive . This is a special protein. In medicine, we call this a `monoclonal antibody .' It's most commonly available under the brand name TALTZ.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor your complete health history. Some things may seem normal to you, but they can be very important with this medicine. See the table below.
| Information type | What to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Current infections | Be sure to tell us if you currently have any infections, such as chickenpox, herpes, colds, or the flu. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | Tell your doctor if you have ever had TB, have taken medication for it, or have been in close contact with someone who has TB. (You will be tested for TB before starting medication.) |
| Vaccines | If you have recently received any vaccinations, or are scheduled to receive them in the future, inform your doctor about them. |
| Allergies | If you have any allergies, not just to this medicine, but to any other medicine, food, or dye, be sure to mention it. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting this medication. |
How is this vaccine used?
This is an injection that is injected under the skin. The first few doses are usually given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. After that, you may be taught how to inject yourself at home.
- Follow the instructions exactly: If you are getting the vaccine at home, take the exact dose, at the exact time, as instructed. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Dispose of needles safely: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sturdy container called a ``sharps container.'' If you don't have one, ask your doctor about one.
- Read the special instructions leaflet: You will receive a special instructions leaflet ``(MedGuide)`` with this medicine. Always read it carefully.
What if the dosage of the medicine gets out of hand?
If you are being given the medicine at the hospital, if you are unable to go on the day of your scheduled vaccination, call immediately and let them know. If you are taking the medicine at home, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take the remaining doses according to your usual schedule. Never take two doses at once. If you have any doubts, talk to your doctor.
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
There are several important things you need to pay attention to when taking this medicine.
- Risk of infection: As mentioned earlier, this medicine may slightly reduce the speed of your immune system, which may increase your risk of getting infections. This can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, and pain when urinating.If you experience symptoms like these, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
- Vaccines: This is very important. Your body's response to vaccines may be reduced while taking this medicine.
- Medical tests: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days prescribed by your doctor to see if your symptoms are improving or decreasing.
- Store in the refrigerator: Store this vaccine on a tray inside the refrigerator, not in the door.
- Do not freeze: Never place in the freezer. If the medicine freezes, do not use it again.
- Do not shake: Do not shake the vaccine vigorously.
- Protect from light: Keep in the original packaging. Keep away from direct sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of children: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Ixekizumab is a special vaccine that controls the activity of your immune system.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially infections and tuberculosis.
- While taking the medicine, be aware of any signs of infection such as fever and cough. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not receive any "live vaccines" while receiving this treatment.
- Always store the vaccine properly in the refrigerator. Dispose of used needles safely.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Do not receive any "live virus vaccines" while taking this medicine. If you need to receive any vaccinations, talk to your doctor about it and follow his or her instructions.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than you thought, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. However, most people do not experience serious side effects. The table below will help you understand this more clearly.
| Nature of the side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Serious Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, urinary tract infections. |
| Stomach ache | Sudden severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Discomfort at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling. |
| Other minor features | Nausea, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat. |
How to store the medicine?
Ask your doctor for advice on how to safely dispose of expired or no longer needed medications.
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