Sometimes, due to surgery or other medical conditions, part of our small intestine has to be removed. This can cause the body to not be able to absorb nutrients and fluids from the food we eat and drink properly. This is what we call short bowel syndrome, or `Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). A special medicine that can help you in such a situation is `Teduglutide`. So today, let's talk about this `Teduglutide` injection, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What is Teduglutide?
Simply put, `Teduglutide` is a drug that is used to treat people with `Short Bowel Syndrome`. Because your intestines are shorter, it is difficult to absorb nutrients from food normally. Think of your intestines as a sponge. After surgery, the size of that sponge has shrunk. `Teduglutide` gives that little sponge a `boost` so that it can absorb water and nutrients better.
This helps your body absorb more nutrients and fluids from food and drink. As a result, some people may need less intravenous nutrition (feeding through a tube). In Sri Lanka, this medicine is available under the brand name `Gattex`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is extremely important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor. It is essential to mention these things for your safety.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Cancer or a history of cancer | This medication may be associated with some cancer risks, so it is essential for the doctor to be aware of this. |
| Colon polyps | It is imperative that these polyps are completely removed before starting the medication. |
| Gallbladder disease | Because this medicine has a small risk of causing gallbladder problems. |
| Pancreatic disease | Because there is a risk of pancreatitis. |
| Heart disease or kidney disease | Under these circumstances, it may be necessary to change the dosage or use of the medication. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should discuss with your doctor the possible effects on the unborn child. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is important to seek medical advice about whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergy to other medications, foods, or substances | To prevent an allergic reaction to the medicine. |
How exactly is this vaccine used?
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin. Don't worry, your doctor or a trained nurse will show you how to give yourself this injection at home. They will explain everything from how to prepare the medicine to how to give the injection.
Most importantly, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss 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.
What if I take too much by mistake?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and 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 keep in mind when taking this medicine
It is very important to maintain a close relationship with your doctor throughout this treatment.
- Regular medical checkups: See your doctor on regular days to check your condition. Tell your doctor if your symptoms are getting better or worse.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order several blood tests (blood work) to check how your body is functioning during treatment.
- Be aware of cancer risks: Talk openly with your doctor about the risk of developing certain types of cancer (especially colon cancer) while taking this medication. It's nothing to be afraid of, but it's important to be aware.
- Polyps: This is very important. Before starting the medication, your colon should be examined to see if there are any polyps. If there are any, they should be removed. Your doctor will continue to check for these while you are taking the medication.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Teduglutide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Bowel blockage | Severe stomach cramps, inability to defecate or pass air, loss of appetite, vomiting. |
| Gallbladder problems | Severe pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever. |
| Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis) | Severe pain starting in the middle of the abdomen and radiating to the back, pain that worsens after eating or when the abdomen is touched, fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| ✅ Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach bloating/stomach discomfort | Nausea and vomiting |
| Redness, itching, or pain at the injection site | Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles |
| Cold-like symptoms (common cold) | |
Other medications that may interact with Teduglutide
This medicine may change the way your intestines absorb other medicines. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) . Especially if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Some medications that cause mental calm or sleepiness
- Medicines for epilepsy (such as `carbamazepine`, `phenobarbital`, `phenytoin`)
- Immunosuppressant drugs such as `Cyclosporine`, `Sirolimus`, `Tacrolimus`
- Medicines for heart disease such as `Digoxin` and `Quinidine`
- Blood thinners such as `Warfarin`
- `Lithium`
- `Theophylline` or `aminophylline`
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Take-Home Message
- Teduglutide is a special injection that helps the body absorb nutrients for people with Short Bowel Syndrome.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about any cancer, colon polyps, or other medical conditions you have.
- Learn how to use the vaccine correctly. Dispose of used needles safely.
- If you experience severe stomach pain or allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What disease is the Teduglutide / Gattex vaccine used for?
This is an extremely rare, but life-saving vaccine! It is prescribed for people with 'Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS).' This means that people who have had a large part of their intestines removed due to some disease/surgery, have to be continuously fed intravenously (IV/TPN) because they cannot absorb food even after eating. This vaccine is injected into the stomach daily, enlarges and develops the small intestine, and changes the way food is absorbed.
💬 How does this drug (Teduglutide) enlarge/grow the remaining intestine?
This vaccine is completely identical to the hormone (GLP-2) naturally produced by our intestines! This, once administered, forces the remaining cells in the small intestine to 'promote mucosal growth'. This increases the surface area of the inside of the intestine and thickens it. This allows the body to absorb 100% of the food and water we eat, and allows us to stop giving food through a vein (TPN).
💬 What are the dangerous dangers for those who inject this multi-million dollar intestinal growth vaccine (Gattex)?
The biggest danger is that this causes the intestine to 'grow abnormally', which puts you at high risk of developing 'new cancers (Cancer / Polyps)' in the intestine! Therefore, those who have this procedure must definitely have a colonoscopy every 6 months to examine the intestine with a camera. The other dangerous thing is that this can cause stones to form in the intestine/gallbladder and completely block the intestine (Intestinal Obstruction).
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