What you need to know about the Asfotase alfa vaccine for hypophosphatasia (HPP)

When your doctor tells you or your child that you have a condition called Hypophosphatasia (HPP), you may be told to use a vaccine called Asfotase alfa (Strensiq) as a treatment. It's normal to feel a little scared and overwhelmed when you hear about a vaccine and how to take it daily. But don't worry. In this article, we'll talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.

What exactly is Asfotase alfa (Strensiq)?

Simply put, this is not like the medicine we usually use. In a condition called Hypophosphatasia (HPP), there is a decrease or loss of an enzyme that is essential for the healthy development of bones and teeth in our body. So, Asfotase alfa is a treatment that provides the body with that decreased enzyme from outside. This is a treatment that controls the symptoms and helps you live a healthy life, rather than curing the disease completely. In other words, this is a treatment that controls the disease, not a cure.

Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start this treatment, you should definitely discuss these issues with your doctor.

• If you have kidney stones or other kidney-related conditions.
• If you have allergies to Asfotase alfa or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

This information is very important for the doctor to provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.

How to use the vaccine correctly?

This vaccine is given as a subcutaneous injection. Don't be alarmed by this. A doctor or trained nurse will clearly explain the correct way to give you this. So you will receive the necessary training until you can do it yourself.

• Take the right dose, at the right time: Take the right dose, at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never increase the dose or use it more often than prescribed.
• Used needles and syringes: These are very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. There is a special container for them, called a 'sharps container.' If you don't have one, ask your doctor or nurse for one.
• Use in children: This medicine can be used in young children and infants on the advice of a doctor. However, there are special precautions. Talk to your pediatrician about this.
• What if you overdose? If you accidentally take more medicine than you think you should, 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 if you miss a dose? 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 are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?

Like any medicine, Asfotase alfa can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.

How to store the medicine correctly?

It is very important to store this medicine correctly.

• Store in the refrigerator: Always store unopened vials of medicine at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, that is, in the normal section of the fridge.
• Do not freeze: Do not store in the freezer. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.
• Do not shake: Do not shake the bottle before use.
• Protect from light: Keep the medicine vial in its box until it is time to use it and protect it from light.
• After use: Should be used within one hour after taking it out of the refrigerator.
• If there is any left over medicine: If there is any medicine left over from an opened bottle, throw it away. Also, throw away expired medicine bottles without using them.

Asfotase alfa, Hypophosphatasia, HPP, Strensiq, enzyme therapy, genetic diseases, drug information