Did your doctor prescribe you a pill called Belzutifan? Maybe the pill packet you received also mentioned Welireg. This is a special medicine that controls the growth of cancer cells. So today we are going to talk about some things that you need to know as a user of this medicine. After reading this, you will have a better understanding of this medicine.
What is this medicine called Belzutifan?
Simply put, Belzutifan is a drug used to treat conditions like kidney cancer . In addition, it is also used to treat other types of cancer and tumors that occur in some people with a condition called von Hippel-Lindau syndrome .
There is a special protein in our body that helps cancer cells grow and divide. What this medicine does is block that protein. Then the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread is reduced or stopped. This is how this medicine works.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is important to have a complete history of your health. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If your red blood cell count is low (anemia) | This medicine can cause red blood cell levels to drop even further, so the doctor will pay special attention to that. |
| If you have an allergy to Belzutifan or any other medicine, food, or dye. | This information is essential to prevent an allergic reaction to the medicine. |
| If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to conceive a child | This is very important . Taking this medicine during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended during this time. |
How should I use this medicine?
As the doctor says, the most important thing is to take the exact dosage.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day . Make this part of your daily routine.
- Swallow the tablet whole . Do not break, crush, or chew it.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food.
- If you experience side effects, your doctor may change your dose or stop taking the medicine for a while. Never change your dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
- You may have noticed that there is a small packet (drying packet/desiccant) inside the medicine bottle with the pills. It is there to keep the pills dry. Do not eat it.
- When you are given medication, you will receive a special leaflet (MedGuide) about it. Always read it carefully.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you have the slightest suspicion that you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, immediately go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Missed doses and interactions with other medications
If you miss a dose...
If you forget to take 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 a double dose.
If you vomit after taking the pill...
If you vomit after taking the pill, do not take another pill. Take your next pill at the usual time the next day.
Interactions with other medications
Some medications may interact with Belzutifan. This is especially true with medications that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, such as birth control pills.
Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medications for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, herbal products). Then he can tailor your treatment plan accordingly.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will regularly check on your condition. Get the necessary tests done on time.
- Feeling unwell: It is normal to feel unwell and tired when taking chemotherapy. This is because the medicine affects both cancer cells and healthy cells. If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor . But do not stop the treatment course until your doctor tells you to.
- Pregnancy and birth control (very important):
- If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about it. Getting pregnant while taking this medicine can cause serious birth defects in your unborn baby .
- Before starting treatment, you need to take a test to make sure you are not pregnant.
- Hormonal birth control methods (such as birth control pills) may not work as well while taking this medicine. Therefore, ask your doctor about another effective birth control method .
- It is mandatory to use birth control during the entire period of taking the medication and for one week after the last dose .
- If you are a man and your partner is at risk of becoming pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking the medicine and for one week after the last dose.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after the last dose.
- Infertility: This medicine may affect fertility (the ability to have children). If you are concerned about this, talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. The table below provides a clear picture of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Infections | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating, and body discomfort. |
| Decreased red blood cell count | Feeling unusually tired or weak, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Fatigue | Feeling extremely tired. |
| Joint pain | Joint pain. |
| Muscle pain | Muscle pain. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medication .
How do you get rid of unused medicine?
It is not appropriate to release expired or no longer needed medications into the environment. They should be disposed of properly.
- Some pharmacies have programs to take back old medications. You can look into that.
- If that's not possible, check the medication label or package to see if it's appropriate to throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet.
- If you're not sure, ask your doctor.
- If it is safe to throw in the trash, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed bag or container, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time, and in the right dosage.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without medical advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and all medical conditions you have.
- Be very careful about pregnancy and birth control. Talk openly with your doctor about this.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or severe allergic reactions.
- Always keep medicine safely out of the reach of children.
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