Are you or someone you know being treated for Tuberculosis (TB)? Then you may have heard of the vaccine called Capreomycin. It is a special, powerful medicine. So let's simply and clearly learn about this medicine, what it can do, and what we should be concerned about, without any fear or doubt, right? This article will help you with that.
What is Capreomycin?
Simply put, Capreomycin is a powerful antibiotic that is used only to treat tuberculosis (TB).
A mistake many people make is asking for such strong medicine for viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough. It doesn't work that way. This medicine doesn't work for viruses. Therefore, it should only be used for tuberculosis if prescribed by a doctor.
Typically, several medications are given together when treating tuberculosis. Capreomycin may be part of that combination of medications.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, there are a few things you should tell your doctor without hiding anything. Only by telling them these things will the doctor be able to treat you safely.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have hearing problems . | This medicine can sometimes affect hearing and balance. If there is a problem already, it should be taken care of. |
| If you have kidney disease . | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| If you have liver disease . | Since this medication can also affect the liver, the doctor should be aware of that as well. |
| If you have an allergy to capreomycin or any other medicine, food, or dye. | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant . | The doctor must specifically decide whether or not to give this medicine during pregnancy, and if so, how to give it. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother . | This is important to know if the medicine passes to the baby through milk and if it has any effect. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection into a muscle or into a vein . This is usually given to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
However, sometimes you may need to get this vaccine at home. If this happens, you will be given detailed instructions on how to prepare the medicine and inject it. Use only the correct dose, at the correct time, and exactly as instructed.
The most important thing is not to stop treatment even if you feel a little better. It is important to complete the TB treatment. Failure to do so can lead to a relapse.
Disposal of needles and syringes
It is strictly forbidden to throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special container (sharps container) provided. If you don't have one, you can get one from your doctor or clinic.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important not to miss a dose of your TB treatment. If you miss a dose on your scheduled day, call your doctor immediately.
If you are taking your medicine at home, take it as soon as you remember. However , if it is very close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
It is very important to tell your doctor about every medicine you take, whether it is a vitamin or an Ayurvedic/Sinhala medicine you are using. Because some medicines can interact with this. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Some of the main types of medications that can interact are:
- Aspirin and similar medications
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Examples: Ibuprofen, Naproxen
- Diuretics - Some also call them 'water pills'.
- Medicines for other infections - examples: acyclovir, amphotericin B, gentamicin, vancomycin
- Medicines such as cisplatin, which is used for cancer
- Cyclosporine
- Bone medications such as pamidronate and zoledronic acid
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, capreomycin can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild. The most important thing is to tell your doctor immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Hearing and balance | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, loss of balance, dizziness. |
| Kidney-related symptoms | Change in the amount of urine or difficulty urinating. |
| Liver-related symptoms | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, light-colored stools, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| General health status | Feeling very tired and feverish. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Fever | Increased body temperature. |
| Place of vaccination | Pain, swelling, or redness where the injection was given. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about that as well.
Take-Home Message
- Capreomycin is a medicine that is only given for tuberculosis (TB). It does not work for the common cold or flu.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially those related to the ears, kidneys, and liver) and all other medications you are taking .
- Even if you feel better, never stop taking your medication. Take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears, loss of balance, changes in the amount of urine you produce, or yellowing of the eyes, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, call the National Poisons Information Centre immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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