Alpelisib (Vijoice) tablets: a treatment for PROS condition (PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum)

Do you or your child have a condition called PROS? Doctors call it PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum. Simply put, it's a condition where tissues in some parts of the body grow abnormally and rapidly. It's a rare condition, and it can be difficult to manage. But today we're going to talk about a drug that can be used to treat it. It's a pill called Alpelisib. Let's take a look at what this drug is, how it works, and what you need to be careful about while using it.

What is this medicine called Alpelisib?

Alpelisib (brand name Vijoice) is a medicine that is used to control the symptoms of PROS. There is a protein in our body that helps cells grow and divide. In people with PROS, this process is a little too much. So what this medicine does is to block the action of the protein that causes rapid cell growth. Then the unnecessary tissue growth is largely controlled. This helps to reduce the symptoms and make life easier.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before starting Alpelisib, it is very important to talk to your doctor about your health condition completely openly. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular:

• Diabetes: Tell your doctor if you or someone in your family has diabetes.
• Lung diseases: If you have any lung-related condition.
• Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to Alpelisib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy: It is essential to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or if your partner is likely to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding, be sure to mention that as well.

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly on how to use this medicine.

• These tablets are to be taken orally. Take them with a meal .
• Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you won't forget.
• Do not break or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
• Continue using this treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.

What do you do if someone has difficulty swallowing pills?

Some people have difficulty swallowing pills. For such a person, you can take the medicine this way:

1. Put 4-8 tablespoons (2-4 ounces) of water in a clean cup.

2. Add your medicine pills to it and leave it for about 5 minutes.

3. Then, crush the slices well with a clean spoon.

4. Stir well and drink the mixture immediately after it has dissolved.

5. Next, add another 2-4 tablespoons (1-2 ounces) of water to the same cup, rinse the used spoon thoroughly, and drink that water as well. This is important so that no medicine is wasted.

6. Do this until there are no more pieces left in the cup.

What if I miss a dose or vomit?

• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is more than 9 hours past your scheduled time, skip that dose altogether. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
• If you vomit: If you vomit after taking the medicine, do not take another pill. Take your usual dose at the scheduled time the next day.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Other medications you are taking may interact with Alpelisib. This may increase or decrease the effectiveness of Alpelisib, or increase the risk of side effects. So tell your doctor about any of the following:

• Some medications used for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)
• Rifampin
• St. John's wort (this is an herbal supplement)
• Warfarin (a blood thinner)

Special things to be aware of when taking medication

You need to be a little careful about the changes in your body while taking this medicine.

• See your doctor regularly: Your doctor will need to see you regularly to see how the treatment is affecting you. He or she will also order blood tests. Don't skip any of them.
• Serious skin reactions: This medicine can cause serious skin reactions in some people. These may occur weeks or months after starting the medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash along with symptoms such as fever or chills. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Also, if you notice any redness of the skin along with swelling of the face, lips, or swelling of the neck or armpits, tell your doctor right away.
• Dehydration: Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. Excessive fluid loss from the body can be dangerous while taking this medication.
• High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia): This medication can cause high blood sugar. This risk is higher in people who already have diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as unusual thirst, frequent urination, excessive fatigue, or blurred vision .
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
• Taking this medicine during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby. Therefore, you should take a test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment.
• You must use a highly effective form of birth control throughout the entire time you are taking the pill, and for a week after taking the last dose .
• If your partner is able to get pregnant, it is essential to use a condom during sexual intercourse while taking the pill and for a week after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for one week after the last dose.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Alpelisib can cause side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.

Important: This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, seek medical advice.

What do you do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

How do you store and dispose of medication safely?

• Storage: Always keep medicines out of the reach of children and pets . Room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) is best. Do not use expired medicines.
• Disposal: Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Some medications should not be flushed down the toilet. If that is not possible, you can remove the pills from the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place them in a tightly sealed bag and put them in the trash.