Imagine, you have had a major accident and lost a lot of blood... or you are undergoing a major surgery... In such an emergency, your blood pressure can suddenly drop, reducing the flow of blood to your organs, and you can go into shock. In such a serious situation, today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors use to save your life.
Simply put, what is this Plasma Protein Fraction?
Although the name of this is a bit complicated, what it does is very simple.
Plasma Protein Fraction is
a liquid that increases the volume of the plasma, the liquid part of our blood. To be precise, this is a ``plasma volume expander``. When too much of our blood is lost, the blood volume in the body decreases. Then there is not enough blood to pump to the heart, and blood pressure drops. This is what we call shock. What this medicine does is, when it goes into the vein, it quickly increases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels. Then the low blood pressure returns to normal, and blood flow to important organs like the brain and kidneys is restored.
Most importantly, this medicine is made from proteins such as albumin , which are extracted from human blood plasma. Therefore, it is manufactured in a very safe, clean, and sterile manner.
This medicine can be found in the market under brand names such as `Plasmanate`.
Things you should tell your doctor before giving you this medicine:
Even though this is an emergency medicine, it is essential for your safety to provide the doctor with certain information. If you are conscious, you or someone with you should tell them these things.
- If you have heart failure : This medicine increases the amount of fluid in the body , so it may be difficult for someone with a weak heart to tolerate it.
- If a doctor has told you that you have low red blood cell counts: That means a condition called anemia .
- If you have an allergic reaction not only to this medicine, but also to any other medicine, food, or dye: This is very important.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
Telling all of this honestly to the doctor is very important for your safety.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This is very important.
This medicine is not something you can take home and inject yourself. It is given as
an injection into a vein , or as an intravenous infusion (saline). It is also given
in a hospital or clinic setting, under the close supervision of a doctor or trained nursing staff. The medical team is also aware of this, as special care must be taken when giving this medicine to children.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
Since this is given under the supervision of a doctor, in the prescribed amount, the possibility of an 'overdose' is very small. However, if you suspect something like this, you should inform the medical team immediately. Generally, in an emergency, you should go directly
to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). If you need information about any poisoning, you can also call
the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
While you are being given this medicine, the doctors and nurses will be watching you very closely.
They will be checking your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. So there is nothing to worry about. Also, since this medicine is made from human blood plasma, if you want to know about any risks or benefits associated with it, talk to your doctor openly.
What are the expected side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them require immediate attention, while others are not so serious.
Tell
your doctor or nurse immediately if any serious side effects persist or are bothersome. | Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. If any of these occur, tell us right away. |
| Low blood pressure | (Dizziness), blue eyes, feeling like you're losing consciousness. |
| Back pain | It can occur during or after the medication is given. |
| Flushing | The face and neck feel hot and red. |
| Headache | A slight headache may occur. |
| Itching or stinging | A slight skin rash or irritation. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
Remember, this list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything different or unusual, don't hesitate to tell your doctor or nurse.
Take-Home Message
- Plasma Protein Fraction is a special, life-saving medicine given to prevent shock, a condition caused by excessive fluid loss from the body due to an accident, surgery, or burn.
- This is a liquid that is only given intravenously in a hospital, under the supervision of a doctor. It is not for home use.
- It is imperative that you tell your doctor all the details about your other illnesses, allergies, and medications before giving this to him.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms (e.g., difficulty breathing , body aches , extreme dizziness ) while taking the medicine, notify the medical staff immediately. Don't worry, they will take care of you.
Plasma Protein Fraction, plasma, shock, blood pressure, side effects, emergency treatment
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment