Sometimes the names of the medicines that doctors prescribe to us are a bit complicated, aren't they? But when we simply understand how those medicines affect our bodies, it feels great relief. Today we are talking about one such special medicine, namely Burosumab, which is given as an injection. This is a very important treatment, especially for those suffering from a genetic disease called X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a condition in which the kidneys excrete too much of the mineral phosphate that our body needs. As you probably know, phosphate is essential for keeping our bones strong. When phosphate levels drop, bones can become weak, brittle, and in children, stunted growth, as well as pain in the bones and joints.
This is where the Burosumab vaccine comes in. This vaccine works by controlling the release of phosphate from the body and bringing the phosphate level in the blood back to normal. This allows the bones to get the phosphate they need and start to grow stronger.
Importantly, Burosumab is a treatment that controls the condition, not a cure. This drug is most commonly known by the brand name CRYSViTA.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before you start this treatment, you should definitely tell your doctor some things about your health condition, because that information will help them decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
- If you have any kidney related condition.
- If you have an allergic reaction to this Burosumab medication, any other medication, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant , or are expecting a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Don't hide these facts from the doctor, because it is very important for your safety.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take at home. Burosumab is an injection under the skin . It is given to you by a trained health care professional in a hospital or clinic.
Do you give this to small children?
Yes, in some special cases, this treatment can be prescribed to children as young as 1 year old. However, special precautions need to be followed. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, it is essential to talk to your pediatrician about it and find out the details.
What if I get too much medicine?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else for any reason.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
It is very important to go to the hospital/clinic on the scheduled days and at the scheduled time for the success of this treatment. Do not miss any of these medication sessions for any reason. If you are unable to go on the scheduled day, call your doctor immediately and inform him/her about it, and get advice on the next day to come.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
There are several medications that should not be taken with Burosumab, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
If you are taking the following medications, be sure to mention them:
- Calcitriol
- Oral phosphate
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including vitamins, herbal medicines, and nutritional supplements). Also, be honest about whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to consider during treatment
If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to get worse, tell your doctor. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine. He or she will also need to do blood tests at regular intervals to check things like your phosphate levels.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Burosumab can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Problems at the injection site | Pain, redness, or inflammation at the injection site. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects | Back pain, constipation, dizziness, fever, headache, muscle pain, tooth infection, vomiting. |
This list is not all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please seek medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Burosumab is a special injection that controls phosphate levels in the body and is given for the condition X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).
- This vaccine is given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Never skip your scheduled medication appointments. If you are unable to go for any reason, inform your doctor immediately.
- If allergic symptoms (such as skin redness, swelling) occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
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