Tazemetostat cancer pill: What you need to know about it

When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it's hard to put into words what you're feeling. At the same time, doctors prescribe various medications to treat this disease. Tazemetostat is one such specific drug used in cancer treatment. Hearing this name can raise many questions in your mind. "What will happen with this?", "Is this safe?", "Are there any side effects ?" You're probably wondering things like that. Don't be afraid of anything. In this article, we'll find simple, clear answers to all the questions you have in mind. It's as if your own friend or family member is explaining these things to you.

Simply put, what is Tazemetostat?

Tazemetostat is a drug that controls the growth of cancer cells , or rather, suppresses them. It works as a targeted therapy . This means that the drug targets and affects cancer cells rather than healthy cells.

This drug is mainly used to treat two types of cancer .

1. Lymphoma: This is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of our body's immune system. Simply put, it is a cancer that develops in the lymph nodes.

2. Sarcoma : This is a cancer that occurs in the bones and connective tissues of our body, such as fat, muscles, and blood vessels .

This medicine works by blocking the activity of certain enzymes that help cancer cells divide and spread, thereby controlling the growth of the cancer.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before you start this medication, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. So, be sure to tell your doctor about these things without hiding anything.

• Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to Tazemetostat, or to any other medicine, food, preservative, or dye, tell your doctor first.
• Pregnancy: This is itImportant: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or if your partner is trying to get pregnant, you should tell your doctor right away because this medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to mention that as well.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.

• Take this pill with a glass of water .
• Take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time.
• Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
• You can take this before or after meals. However, if you sometimes experience stomach upset or nausea, it is best to take it with a meal.
• Continue taking this medication as prescribed until your doctor tells you to stop.

If you suddenly think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, 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.

What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?

Anyone can forget things. If you forget to take a dose, skip it altogether. When it is time for your next dose, just take the next dose as usual. Never take two pills at once to make up for a forgotten one.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Other medications, herbal supplements, or certain foods you are taking may interact with Tazemetostat. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) .

This medicine has a special potential to interact with the following things.

This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you use. Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to be especially careful about when taking medication

It is important to pay close attention to changes in your body while taking this medication.

Medical monitoring and blood tests

Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine. You may also need to have regular blood tests to check how the medicine is affecting your body and for any side effects. Do not skip these tests, as they are very important for your safety.

Pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding again

No matter how much I say this, it's not enough. This is just as important.

• For women: If you are able to have children, you should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. Use a very effective form of birth control. Your usual hormonal birth control pills may not work as well because of this medicine. So talk to your doctor about the safest method for you.
• For men: If your partner is able to get pregnant, you should avoid intercourse while taking this medicine and after stopping the medicine.Be sure to use a condom when having sex for 3 months.
• Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Tazemetostat can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some people may not have any side effects. The important thing is to be aware of these.

Let's categorize these side effects in the table below.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you store and dispose of medication safely?

• Storage: Always keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store in a dry place below 30 degrees Celsius (86°F).
• Disposal: Expired and unused medications should be disposed of. Some pharmacies or hospitals may have programs to take them back. Ask your doctor about this. If not, never flush these medications down the toilet. If you are throwing them in the trash, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, seal them in a bag, and put them in the trash.