Imagine a situation where someone is unable to eat or swallow food due to some illness or after surgery. How do you provide the body with the necessary nutrition at such a time? You can't let the body weaken. Today, we are talking about a special treatment method used in such cases and a medicine that is essential for it.
What is this Cysteine?
Simply put, cysteine is an amino acid that is essential for building proteins in our bodies. Just like bricks are needed to build a house, proteins are needed to build and maintain the cells and tissues in our bodies. These amino acids are the basic building blocks of those proteins.
This cystine injection is usually used in a treatment called Parenteral Nutrition . The abbreviation for this is (PN) . Although this is a bit of a medical term, the meaning is very simple. It means that the body is given the necessary nutrition directly through a vein, without using the digestive system. Cysteine is added as an essential ingredient to the nutritional solution given in this way. In Sri Lanka, this medicine can be seen under the brand name `(ELCYS)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
Because this is a specialized treatment, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history. If you have any of the following conditions, tell your doctor before starting treatment.
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have a kidney-related condition .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have a genetic condition that is present at birth and affects the way the body breaks down food (`inborn error of metabolism`) .
- If you have previously had an allergy or unusual reaction to cysteine, other amino acids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the medical team will decide whether this treatment is suitable for you and how it should be given.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This medicine is not given on its own. It is prepared as part of a special nutritional solution that contains many of the body's essential nutrients, such as sugar, vitamins, and minerals. The solution is then slowly infused into the body through a vein, similar to saline.
This treatment is often given under medical supervision in a hospital or clinic . However, in some cases, depending on the patient's condition, doctors may recommend that this treatment be given at home.
If you have to use this medicine at home, you will be given proper training on how to prepare and administer it. It is essential to follow those instructions exactly.
There is another very important thing to remember when using this treatment at home: properly disposing of used needles and syringes.
- Never put these in the regular trash.
- These should be placed in a special safety container (sharps container) for disposal.
- If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
Special precautions should be taken when giving this medicine to children, so if you are giving this treatment to a child, talk to your doctor about it.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
This is usually given under medical supervision, so the risk of overdose is low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Never take this kind of thing lightly.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Let's see what those side effects are. You can easily understand this from the table below.
| Nature of the side effect | Symptoms you may experience |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor or nursing staff immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Blood clot | Leg pain, swelling or warmth, difficulty breathing, chest pain. |
| Gallbladder problems | Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), and feeling unusually tired. |
| High acid level in the blood | Difficulty breathing, unusual weakness, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting. |
| High ammonia level in the blood | Unusual weakness, confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, seizures. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Flushing | The skin turns red and feels warm. |
| Discomfort at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling along the vein where the injection was given. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, tell your doctor right away.
How do you store and dispose of medication?
Your medical team will give you instructions on how to store this medicine. Follow those instructions exactly. Keep it out of the reach of small children and pets . Never use expired medicine.
Ask your doctor or the hospital where you are receiving treatment for proper instructions on how to dispose of expired or unwanted medications.
Take-Home Message
- Cysteine is an essential amino acid that is added to a special nutritional solution given through a vein when food cannot be taken by mouth.
- Before starting this treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- If you are treating at home, dispose of used needles and syringes safely. Never throw them in the trash.
- This is a specialized medical treatment, so always follow your doctor's advice.
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