You or someone you know may have been told by your doctor about the Tebentafusp vaccine as a treatment for eye cancer. When you hear this name, you may feel a little strange, maybe even scared, and think, 'What kind of medicine is this?' It's very common. That's what you feel when you learn about a new medicine. So today, let's talk about the Tebentafusp vaccine, that is, this medicine that comes under the brand name KIMMTRAK, in a very simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what happens with this medicine?
Think of our body as a fortress. There is an army called the immune system to protect this fortress. Cancer cells are like enemies that have infiltrated this fortress. Sometimes our defense forces cannot recognize these enemies properly. This is where the Tebentafusp vaccine comes to the rescue. This medicine helps your body's own immune system, identifies the enemies called cancer cells, and helps it attack them. It is like showing our own army the target, "Here is the enemy, here is where it is." In this way, this medicine helps
to stop the spread of cancer cells or slow down their growth .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is important to tell your doctor some information, as this information is very important for your safety.
| What you need to know | Why is that important? |
|---|
| Allergies | If you have any allergies, not just to Tebentafusp, but also to any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives, be sure to tell your doctor. |
| Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant | This medicine can be dangerous during pregnancy. So if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon, tell your doctor before starting treatment. |
| Breastfeeding | It is not advisable to breastfeed while taking this medicine and for some time after stopping treatment. So talk to your doctor about this as well. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a pill that you can take home. Tebentafusp is
an injection that is given into a vein . This means that it is given under medical supervision in a hospital or clinic.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. The dosage that is right for you has been determined based on your medical condition. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
Can this medicine be given to children?
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Therefore, if your child has been prescribed this treatment, talk to the doctor about it carefully and find out the details.
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 the medicine, do not panic. Inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, you can call
the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . It is also important to go
to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking medication
Your medical team will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine. This means they will regularly check how you are doing. This may include
blood tests (blood work) .
Especially remember about pregnancy and breastfeeding!
This is a very important matter.
- Pregnancy : If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about this. This is because getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for one week after the last dose can cause serious birth defects . Therefore, get a pregnancy test before starting treatment and talk to your doctor about using appropriate birth control during treatment and for one week afterward.
- Breastfeeding : Breastfeeding should be completely avoided while taking this medicine and for one week after the last dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what these side effects are and which ones are serious.
Serious side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately: Things to tell
your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist
| Side effect | Description and what you need to do |
|---|
| Allergic reactions | Things like skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
| Cytokine Release Syndrome | Fever, chills, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat. If you have one or more of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and extreme fatigue. |
| Dry and itchy skin | Dry or itchy skin. |
| Fatigue | Feeling extremely tired even when doing small tasks. |
| Nausea and stomach pain | Feeling like you're about to vomit or having some stomach discomfort/pain. |
| Swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Tebentafusp is a special vaccine that stimulates our own immune system to treat eye cancer.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your allergies and all other medications you are taking.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Avoid becoming pregnant during this time.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as fever, difficulty breathing , or yellowing of the skin, seek medical advice immediately.
- Follow the doctor's appointments and instructions exactly. If you miss a treatment appointment, let him know in advance.
Tebentafusp, KIMMTRAK, eye cancer, eye cancer, cancer medicine, cancer vaccine, side effects, cytokine release syndrome, tebentafusp sinhala
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