Have you been prescribed the drug Patisiran? Let's talk about it simply (Patisiran Injection)

Do you have constant pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands and feet? Sometimes these things are caused by a specific medical condition in our body. So today we are going to talk about the Patisiran vaccine, which is given as a treatment for such a condition. This is a bit of a special medicine, so it is very important that you are fully aware of this.

What is this Patisiran? What does it mean?

Simply put, Patisiran is a drug for people with a condition with a rather long name called hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) . We'll call it hATTR for short.

Okay, so what is hATTR? This is a genetic condition that is passed down through generations. Our liver produces a protein called TTR. Normally, this is not a problem. But in someone with hATTR, this TTR protein folds incorrectly, clumps together, and deposits itself in various places in the body, especially around the nerves. It's like dirt building up in a water pipe. We call this amyloid deposits.

When this protein builds up around the nerves, it damages them. That's why the symptoms mentioned earlier, such as pain, numbness, and loss of sensation in the limbs, appear.

So what Patisiran does is help stop the production of that faulty TTR protein. It's like stopping the problem right where it starts. Then the new protein deposits decrease, and the symptoms gradually start to come under control.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before your doctor decides to give you this medicine, there are a few things you should definitely tell him. Don't hide these, because they are very important for your safety.

• About your allergies: If you have any allergies, not only to this Patisiran medication, but also to any other medication, food, preservatives, or coloring, be sure to tell us about it.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: If you are already pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or have any suspicion that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before starting this medicine.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding your baby, inform your doctor about that as well.

How can I give you this medicine?

Patisiran is not a pill that you take home. ThisAn intravenous infusion. This means that the medicine is injected into one of your veins through a tube, similar to saline.

This treatment is only done in a hospital or clinic . A trained doctor or nursing staff will give it to you. So there is nothing to worry about.

What to do if you overdose?

This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to a hospital's Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I miss the day I'm supposed to take the medicine?

It is very important to take this medicine at regular intervals . Therefore, be sure to go to the hospital on the days prescribed for you. If you are unable to go for any emergency reason, call your doctor or clinic immediately and inform them.

Special things to be aware of when taking medication

There are a few things you need to be careful about while taking this medicine.

1. Infusion Reactions

This is the most important thing. Some people may have some reactions when this medicine is given intravenously or shortly after it is given. We call these infusion reactions . These may include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling like spinning (vertigo)
• Feeling hot

To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you other medications (such as allergy medicine or paracetamol) about an hour before giving you this vaccine. So follow your doctor's instructions exactly. The medical staff will carefully monitor your condition while the medicine is being given.

2. Change in eyesight

If you notice any changes in your vision, especially at night, or if your eyes feel dry, tell your doctor immediately.

3. Vitamin A

Taking this medicine may lower your vitamin A levels. Vitamin A is important for our eyesight and skin health. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a vitamin A supplement for you to take daily. Take the exact dose your doctor tells you to take. It is also a good idea to eat foods rich in vitamin A (like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach). Talk to your doctor about this.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Patisiran can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them. We'll break them down into easy-to-understand categories.

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

Can there be problems with other medications?

Studies so far have not found that Patisiran causes any major problems with other medications. However, it is best to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).