Has your doctor told you that your phosphorus levels are low? Sometimes this can be due to a genetic condition, or it can be due to a tumor in the body . Whatever the reason, when phosphorus levels are low, our bones become weak and break easily. So, there is a special medicine called Burosumab that is prescribed to treat this condition. Let's talk about it all in simple terms today.
What kind of medicine is Burosumab?
Simply put, Burosumab is a drug that helps restore the low phosphorus levels in your body. This strengthens your bones and prevents them from breaking easily (fractures).
This belongs to a special class of drugs called ``monoclonal antibody''. That is, this drug is designed to work by binding to a specific target in our body. Therefore, there are fewer unwanted effects. This drug is most commonly available in Sri Lanka and the world under the brand name ``CRYSViTA''.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention the following points in particular:
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related condition.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this Burosumab medicine, any other medicine, food, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether or not this medication is right for you and how to give it.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Burosumab is an injection that is given under the skin . It is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nursing staff.
There are cases where this medicine is prescribed for certain medical conditions, even for children as young as 6 months. However, this decision is made by a pediatrician.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is given in a hospital, the chance of overdose is very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of a hospital immediately. Or you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss the day I'm supposed to take the medicine?
Taking this medicine at regular intervals is very important for the success of the treatment. If for some reason you are unable to go to the hospital on the scheduled day, please contact your doctor or medical team immediately. They will give you a date to come back the next time.
What are the things that should not be taken with this medicine?
When taking Burosumab, it is important to avoid taking certain other medications together, as they can interact with each other and cause adverse effects.
Especially do not take Burosumab with these things:
- Oral phosphate medications
- Vitamin D supplements. Examples include medications like `(calcitriol)`, `(calcifediol)`, `(doxercalciferol)`, `(paricalcitol)`.
- Other specific medications such as `Ibritumomab tiuxetan`.
This list is not complete. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal products, and traditional medicines you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
If your symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor. Your doctor will monitor you while you are taking this medicine. You will also need to have blood tests at regular intervals. This will help to determine if the medicine is working properly and how your phosphorus levels are.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Burosumab can cause side effects in some people. These can be divided into two main categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney stones | Blood in the urine, pain or difficulty urinating, back or pelvic pain. |
| High phosphorus level | Muscle or joint pain, twitching of the muscles, numbness around the mouth. |
| Restless leg syndrome | Strange numbness, burning, pulling sensation in the legs, and a restless urge to move the legs. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | Vomiting, diarrhea (upset stomach) |
| Fever | Headache |
| Pain in the arms, legs, and feet | Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other, unusual symptoms, please tell your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Burosumab is a special injection given to treat bone weakness caused by low phosphorus levels in the body.
- This cannot be used at home. It must be given by medical staff at a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- If you experience any severe side effects, such as allergic reactions or symptoms of kidney stones, seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to receive treatment and blood tests on time. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
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