Do you always feel tired and lifeless? One reason for this could be a lack of blood in the body, a condition called anemia in medical terms. When this anemia occurs due to certain medical conditions, you may have to undergo frequent blood transfusions. So, today we are going to talk about a relatively new drug that has been introduced to the world to treat such conditions. The name of that drug is Reblozyl.
What kind of medicine is Reblozyl?
Reblozyl is a drug that was approved in 2019. To be precise, it belongs to a class of drugs called ``erythroid maturation agents (EMA)''. Okay, okay, that word may sound a bit complicated. Simply put, this drug helps the red blood cells that are produced in our bone marrow to "mature", that is, to become well-grown, healthy cells. This drug is mainly used to treat anemia caused by certain blood diseases. Especially in adults with these two diseases: 1.
Beta-thalassemia: People who need to receive blood transfusions regularly due to this condition. 2.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): This is also known as bone
marrow failure. Therefore, Reblozyl is also given to people who need to receive blood transfusions regularly.
Let's learn a little more about beta-thalassemia and MDS.
If you understand a little about these two diseases, it will be easier to understand how the Reblozyl drug works.
- Beta-thalassemia: Think of the red blood cells in our blood as vehicles that carry oxygen. The oxygen in this vehicle is loaded onto a protein called hemoglobin . A person with beta-thalassemia does not produce enough of this hemoglobin protein. So the cells in the body do not get the oxygen they need. That is why symptoms such as constant fatigue and paleness occur.
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): This is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the factory that makes our blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets). In a person with MDS, the production of this factory is disrupted. This means that the production of healthy, well-developed blood cells is reduced.
In both of these conditions, the main problem is a decrease in the number of healthy, functional red blood cells, which meansAnemia occurs.
Reblozyl works by helping immature red blood cells that are not growing properly to mature properly. This increases the number of healthy red blood cells, increases hemoglobin levels, and improves the body's ability to carry oxygen. As a result, you
may need less frequent blood transfusions.
But keep this in mind: Reblozyl is not a substitute for blood transfusions. It is just a treatment that helps reduce the need.
How is this medicine given?
Reblozyl is not a pill you can take at home. It is a shot that is given
every 3 weeks . This shot is given by a trained doctor or nurse in your doctor's office, clinic, or hospital.
- Where to give the vaccine: This vaccine is usually given under the skin of the arm, thigh, or abdomen, below the shoulder.
- Getting the vaccine on time: It is very important to go and get the vaccine on the same day that the doctor gives you. If you miss the day, call the doctor immediately and ask for advice on the next day to come.
- A symptom diary: It's a good idea to write down your symptoms (such as fatigue and dizziness ) in a notebook or on your phone every day. This will make it easier to explain to your doctor how the medication is affecting you.
The dosage of medication you will be given will be determined by your doctor based on your weight and your body's response to the medication.
What are the possible side effects? How to deal with them?
Like any medicine, Reblozyl can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them. The table below lists some of the most common side effects and how to manage them.
| Side Effect | How to manage it |
|---|
| Extreme fatigue, dizziness, loss of body control | Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know exactly how this medication affects you. |
| Headache, muscle or joint pain | Ask your doctor about painkillers that can help relieve these symptoms. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or get worse. |
| Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea (flatulence) | Try to eat small meals rather than large meals. Eat bland foods like bread, crackers, and rice. Drink plenty of water. If these symptoms worsen or do not improve, tell your doctor. |
| High Blood Pressure | It is important to exercise and adopt a healthy diet such as DASH. Check your blood pressure regularly. If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mmHg, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Difficulty breathing, Allergic reaction | Ask your doctor in advance about the symptoms of an allergy (e.g., skin rash, itching, facial swelling, shortness of breath). If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) . |
| Fluid accumulation in the body (edema) | If you notice any swelling in your hands, feet, or body, tell your doctor. He or she will provide the necessary treatment. |
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes. Taking Reblozyl can cause problems if you take certain other medications. In particular, if you are taking hormone replacement therapy for menopause or birth control pills, the risk of blood clots may increase.
Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including those prescribed by doctors, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, and herbal products.
Take-Home Message
- Reblozyl is a relatively new drug given as a shot to treat anemia caused by conditions called beta-thalassemia and MDS.
- This mainly helps immature red blood cells grow properly.
- This medicine can reduce the need for frequent blood transfusions, but it is not a substitute for donating blood.
- This vaccine is given by a doctor or nurse every 3 weeks.
- Side effects such as headache, fatigue, and muscle pain may occur. Talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
Reblozyl, Anemia, Beta-Thalassemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, MDS, blood transfusion, Luspatercept, hemoglobin
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