It's normal for our bones to gradually weaken as we age, isn't it? In medicine, we call this osteoporosis. When bones become weak, the risk of breaking a bone increases significantly, even from a small fall or accident. So, a special injection called Romosozumab is given to treat this condition and help strengthen bones again. Your doctor may have told you about this medicine. Let's learn about it simply and precisely today.
What is this medicine called Romosozumab?
Simply put, Romosozumab is a drug that is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. In our country, it is available under the brand name EVENITY . The main function of this vaccine is to strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of them breaking easily (fracture).
This is a bit of a complicated, special type of medicine. We call it a ``monoclonal antibody'' in medical terms. That means this medicine is made using parts of our own immune system. So it can only go to a specific target in the body and work. The Romosozumab vaccine directly targets the balance between new bone formation and old bone breakdown. What this medicine does is speed up the formation of new bone while controlling the breakdown of old bone. This is how your bones gradually become stronger.
What should you tell your doctor before taking this medicine?
This is very important. Before starting the Romosozumab vaccine, you should inform your doctor about your complete health history. Because, we need to be very careful when using this medicine with certain medical conditions. See the table below.
| Situation you need to report | Why is it important? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| If you have had a heart attack or stroke in the past, or if you have heart disease. | This medicine can very rarely increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, so if you already have that risk, it's important to let your doctor know. |
| Kidney diseaseIf there is, especially if you are on dialysis . | When the kidneys are not functioning properly, calcium levels in the body can change. This medication also affects calcium levels, so special care is needed for kidney patients. |
| If you have been told that your blood calcium level is low . | Romosozumab can temporarily lower blood calcium levels. Therefore, you should make sure your calcium levels are normal before starting the medication. |
| If you have problems with your teeth or gums , are having teeth extracted, or are using a set of artificial teeth (dentures). | Osteonecrosis of the jaw can occur very rarely when taking this medication. Therefore, special care should be taken with dental health. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant . | There is still not enough information about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, so it is not recommended at this time. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding . | Since there is no clear information about whether the medication passes to the baby through breast milk, you should talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you have allergies to Romosozumab or any other medicine or food . | Informing your doctor about any allergies can help prevent a severe allergic reaction. |
How do you use this medicine?
Romosozumab is not a medicine you can take home and use.
- This is a subcutaneous injection .
- This is only given by a doctor or trained nurse in a hospital or clinic .
- Two injections are usually given once a month (at the same time). The total treatment period is 12 months.
- When you are given this medicine, you will receive a special information leaflet (`MedGuide`) about it. Always read the information in it carefully. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your doctor.
Attention: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time during this treatment. If you are unable to go to the hospital or clinic on the scheduled date, call your doctor immediately and schedule an appointment for the next available date. Do not skip doses.
What if I take too much medicine?
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, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Your doctor will monitor you regularly while you are taking this medicine.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: This is something you should definitely remember. To get the most out of Romosozumab, you need to get enough calcium and vitamin D. These two nutrients are essential for building new bones. Eat foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Also, your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D pills for you. Use them exactly as directed.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check your blood calcium levels and kidney function.
- Severe pain: Some people taking this medicine may experience severe pain in their bones, joints, or muscles. If you experience severe pain, tell your doctor right away , rather than waiting for it to go away on its own.
- Jawbone problems: As mentioned earlier, a very rare side effect is osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is when the blood supply to the jawbone is reduced, causing the bone to weaken and die. If you have any symptoms such as severe pain inside your mouth or jaw, swelling, redness, numbness, a wound that is not healing after a tooth extraction, or a pus-like fluid coming out, tell your doctor and dentist immediately.
- Dental Health: Therefore, be sure to tell your dentist that you are taking this medication. It is best to have a dental checkup and address any problems before starting the medication. Also, brushing and flossing your teeth well is very important during this time.
What side effects might I experience?
Like all medicines, Romosozumab can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them. Some are serious, while others are common. These are listed in the table below.
| Side effect | Symptoms you are experiencing |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions (Allergic reactions or angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or limbs, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Heart attack | Severe pain or pressure in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, fainting. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache. |
| Low calcium level in the blood | Muscle twitching or pain, confusion , numbness in the limbs. |
| Jaw bone problems (Osteonecrosis of the jaw) | Pain inside the mouth or jaw, swelling, redness, numbness in the jaw, a wound that does not heal after a tooth is extracted, an unusual discharge from the mouth. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | A general headache may occur. |
| Joint pain | Pain in the joints. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, itching, or slight pain at the injection site. |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet | Slight swelling caused by fluid retention in the body. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Romosozumab is a special injection that strengthens bones and treats osteoporosis.
- Before starting this medication, you should tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and dental problems).
- Take the calcium and vitamin D supplements exactly as prescribed by your doctor throughout your treatment.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe bone/joint pain, jaw pain or swelling, or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke (such as chest pain, drooping on one side of the face).
- Be sure to tell your dentist that you are taking this medication. Consult your dentist before undergoing major dental surgery.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment