Have you had a kidney transplant? Or is a loved one about to have one? If so, today we're going to talk about a special drug that helps your new kidney adapt to your body and prevent it from being rejected. This is called Belatacept. Although it may sound a bit complicated, what it does is very important.
What is Belatacept?
Simply put, Belatacept is a medicine that suppresses your body's immune system and stops it from attacking your new kidney. Think of it this way: the new kidney is a foreign object. So your body's defenses, the immune system, are trying to fight this new foreign object. Belatacept helps to slow down this fight a bit. It makes it easier for the new kidney to settle in your body. Another name for this medicine is NULOJIX . Your doctor may also use this name. This medicine may also be used for other purposes, so be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What should you tell your doctor before using this medicine?
This is a very important point. Before you start taking Belatacept, you should clearly explain these things to your doctor. This information will help them decide whether this medicine is right for you and how safe it is.
- If you have cancer or have had it before.
- If you have diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) .
- If you have any weakness in your immune system .
- If you currently have an infection , especially a viral infection, such as chickenpox or herpes.
- If you have recently received any vaccine or are planning to receive one in the future.
- If you have tuberculosis , have had a positive skin test for tuberculosis, or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis.
- If you have an allergic reaction to Belatacept, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
If there is anything like this, even if it's a small thing, if you have any doubts, definitely tell the doctor. It's for your own safety.
How can I give you this medicine?
Belatacept is given as an infusion into a vein . This means that it is given by a doctor into a vein in your arm or another suitable place. You cannot do this at home. It is given to you by a trained medical professional, either in a hospital or clinic . They will take good care of you.
Before each treatment, you will be given a special guide (MedGuide) . This contains information about the medicine, side effects, and things to be aware of. Be sure to read it carefully every time . If there is anything you do not understand, do not be shy to ask the doctor or nurse.
Do you give this to children?
Yes, sometimes children also need to be given this medicine. But it requires special care . If you want to give this medicine to your child, it is very important to talk to your pediatrician about it and get his advice.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think something like this has happened, that is , if you suspect that you have taken too much medication, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately. This is most often given in a hospital, so the chance of this happening is low, but it's good to be aware.
Another thing, this medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same illness as you.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
It is very important to take this medicine on time. If you miss a dose on the scheduled day or time, call your doctor or healthcare professional right away. They will tell you what to do next.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
This is also a very important point. It is not good to use certain medications with Belatacept. This means that adverse interactions can occur between them.
Never take this with the following medications:
- Live virus vaccines . Taking these can cause serious problems.
Additionally, these medications may interact with Belatacept:
- Medicines that lower your chance of fighting infection . Because Belatacept does the same thing, it can make the condition worse.
- Other vaccines. Some vaccines may not work properly with this medicine.
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, dietary supplements) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs . These things can interact with your medication.
Things you should be careful about when taking this medicine
Your doctors will monitor your condition closely while you are taking this medication, but it is important for you to be aware of some things.
Be aware of a serious brain infection
Although very rare, some patients may develop a serious brain infection due to this medicine. This can even lead to death. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as changes in vision, difficulty thinking, difficulty speaking, or difficulty walking or standing , tell your doctor immediately. If you are unable to contact your doctor, seek other medical advice immediately.
Be careful of the sun.
While taking this medicine, your skin may become very sensitive to the sun . This means that even a little exposure to the sun can cause your skin to burn, turn red, or blister. So, the sun is strong in our country. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you must go out, wear clothes that cover your skin well, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. Remember, this can happen even on a cloudy day, even if the sun doesn't seem to be strong. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Also think about dehydration.
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you have severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or excessive sweating. This is because it can be dangerous to take this medicine if you lose too much body fluid, which is dehydration.
Be careful about fever and infections
Do not take painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless your doctor tells you to. These medications can reduce your fever. If you have a fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or a healthcare professional for advice. Do not self-medicate. These medications can reduce your body's ability to fight infections, so avoid close contact with sick people and crowded places as much as possible. Got it?
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Belatacept can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are not so serious. But it's best to tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should inform your doctor or medical professional as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
- Blood in the urine.
- Changes in emotions or moods.
- Changes in vision.
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Cough.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever or chills, sore throat.
- General ill feeling or flu-like symptoms.
- Loss of balance or coordination problems.
- Loss of memory.
- A lump or swelling on the neck.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Pain when urinating.
- Stomach pain.
- Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine.
- Trouble walking.
- Feeling unusually weak or tired.
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist
These things are usually not serious. But if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor :
- Constipation.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Increased hunger.
- Increased urination.
- Pain in the lower back or side.
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, hands.
- Trouble sleeping.
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice any other unusual effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA (by calling 1-800-FDA-1088) .
Where do you keep the medicine?
Since this medicine is given to you in a hospital or clinic, you don't have to keep it at home. There's nothing to worry about. They'll take good care of it.
The most important things to remember
Okay, so, let's go over some of the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about.
Belatacept is an important drug that is given to stop the body from rejecting the new kidney after a kidney transplant. It is given as an injection into a vein in a hospital.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, medications you take, allergies, and pregnancy before starting this medication.
- Read the special guide leaflet (MedGuide) carefully every time you take the medicine.
- If you experience symptoms of a brain infection (changes in vision, speech, thinking, or walking) , tell your doctor immediately.
- Be very careful in the sun. Apply sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body.
- If you develop symptoms such as a fever or cold, do not self-medicate, but tell your doctor .
- It is very important to take your medicine on time. If you miss a dose, tell your doctor .
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medicine, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse . They are there to help you.
A kidney transplant is a big deal. After that, using these medications properly will go a long way in keeping you healthy in your new life. So follow these tips. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
` Belatacept, kidney transplant, immunity, side effects, vaccine, NULOJIX
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