What you need to know about Alpelisib tablets for breast cancer

We all know that fighting cancer is not an easy journey. New discoveries in medicine are constantly being made to strengthen you and heal you during this challenging journey. Today we are talking about a special, advanced drug that is used to treat breast cancer. The name of this drug is Alpelisib. Your doctor may have given it to you under the brand name PIQRAY. So, let's talk simply and clearly about this drug, how it works, and the things to be careful about while using it.

What is this medicine called Alpelisib? Simply put...

Think of cancer cells as a bunch of bad plants that don't want to grow in our bodies and spread quickly. These bad plants need special nutrition, that is, food, to grow and spread. This drug called Alpelisib does exactly that by stopping the cancer cells from getting the nutrition they need, that is, a special protein that helps them grow. It's like turning off the water pipe to that bad plant. Then the cancer cells' ability to grow, multiply, and spread throughout the body decreases, or even stops. This is the simplest way this drug works.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

This is very important. Before your doctor decides to give you this medicine, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. So, tell your doctor the following information without hiding anything .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medication, it's important to use it correctly. Don't worry, it's very simple.

• Oral tablet: This is a tablet that is taken orally.
• Just as the doctor says: When you are prescribed medication, take it exactly as the doctor advises, as written on the label.
• At the same time every day: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the medicine at the same level in your body.
• Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet: Swallow the tablet whole with water .
• Take with food: It is best to take this medicine with a meal.
• Don't stop: Keep taking the medicine until your doctor says, "Enough, stop." Don't stop abruptly, even if you feel a little better.

What to do if you miss a dose or vomit?

• Missed dose: If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is more than 9 hours past your scheduled time, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once.
• If you vomit after taking the pill: If you vomit shortly after taking the pill, do not take another pill. Skip that dose and take the next dose at the usual time the next day.

What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)

If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

Some medications can interact with other medications and may change the way they work. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines, herbal remedies, and even painkillers.

Here are some medications that may specifically interact with Alpelisib:

• Some medications for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)
• Rifampin (this is a medicine for tuberculosis)
• St. John's wort (this is an herbal supplement)
• Warfarin (a medicine given to prevent blood clotting)

Things you should be careful about while taking the medicine

It's normal to feel a little uncomfortable and tired when undergoing cancer treatment. This is because these medications kill cancer cells and can also affect our healthy cells to some extent. But don't be afraid to stop treatment. Tell your doctor about any side effects.

Be aware of serious skin reactions!

This medicine can cause serious skin reactions in some people. These can occur even weeks after starting the medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you get a rash with symptoms like a fever or a cold. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and peel. Also, don't ignore a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, neck, or armpits.

High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia)

This medicine can cause blood sugar levels to rise, especially in people with diabetes.

• If you feel very thirsty
• If you urinate more than usual
• If you feel unusually tired
• If your vision becomes blurry

Be aware of these symptoms. If you notice anything like this, tell your doctor.

Risk of infection

While taking this medicine, your immune system may be slightly weakened, making you more susceptible to illness.

• If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or a cold, do not self-medicate, but call your doctor for advice.
• Avoid places where sick people hang out as much as possible.
• Do not take fever-reducing medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen without your doctor's advice, as these may suppress the fever and make it difficult to detect an infection.

Pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding

This part is very important.

• During pregnancy: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby. You should have a test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting the medicine.
• Birth control: It is essential to use a highly effective form of birth control while taking the pill and for a week after stopping the pill. Talk to your doctor about this and choose the method that is best for you.
• For your partner: If your partner is of childbearing potential, you (if a man) must use a condom during sexual intercourse while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping.
• Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping.

Side effects of the medicine

Like all medicines, Alpelisib can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These include:

How do you store and dispose of medication?

• Storage: Keep medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
• Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or no longer needed medication is to take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place them in a sealable bag or container and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.