Let's learn about the drug Tafamidis.

Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Tafamidis? The name may sound a bit unfamiliar to you. But this is a very important medicine. It is used specifically for cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle. So today, let's talk briefly about this medicine and the things you need to be careful about when using it.

Simply put, what is Tafamidis?

Tafamidis is a special medicine that helps your heart. Sometimes a protein that our body makes builds up in the heart muscle and starts to thicken it. Think of it like dirt getting stuck in a water pipe and making it difficult for the water to flow. When the heart muscle thickens, it has a hard time pumping blood through the heart.

So what this Tafamidis drug does is reduce the accumulation of that protein in the heart muscle . Then the heart works better, the disease gets worse, and the risk of death decreases. Vyndamax and Vyndaqel are also brand names for this drug.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start taking this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health. If you hide anything, it could affect your own health. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular:

• If you have a liver condition: The liver is the main place in our body where we metabolize drugs. Therefore, if there is a problem with the liver, it can affect the effectiveness of the drug.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Tafamidis or any other medicine, food, or dye: This is very important. If you have had any previous allergies, tell your doctor.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby during pregnancy, so be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: You need to be concerned about whether the ingredients of the medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk.

The correct way to use the medicine

The most important thing is to take the prescribed dosage exactly as the doctor tells you.

• Take this medicine with a glass of water.
• Try to take it at the same time every day. This will help keep the medicine working at the same level in your body.
• Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow it whole.
• Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop suddenly, even if you feel better.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

Imagine you have taken more medicine than prescribed. If this happens, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

Other medications that may interact with Tafamidis

This is why it is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Some medicines can interact with Tafamidis and cause problems. Below are some of these medicines.

This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the things you take, including vitamins, herbal products, and painkillers.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

Your work isn't over once you start taking the medicine. You need to continue taking care of yourself.

• Go to the clinics on the scheduled dates: The doctor wants to see how you are doing and whether the medicine is working. So, don't skip the clinic dates that are given to you.
• Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to get worse, tell your doctor immediately.
• Pregnancy precautions: If you are planning to become pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant, talk to your doctor right away. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby .

Possible side effects of the medicine

Like most medicines, Tafamidis can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. The most serious side effect is allergic reactions.

This list includes the most serious side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them as well.

How to keep medicine safe?

It is also very important to store medicines correctly.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Do not use expired medicine.
• When throwing away unused or expired medicine, check to see if it is safe to throw it in the trash. Sometimes the medicine label will have instructions on this. If you are unsure, ask your doctor. If you are throwing it in the trash, take the capsules out of the container, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put them in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw them in the trash. This will reduce the chance that someone or animals will pick them up and eat them.