Has your doctor prescribed you a drug called Eliglustat as a treatment for type I Gaucher disease? This drug is commonly known by the brand name CERDELGA. If so, this article will be very important to you. Let's talk about this drug, and the things to be aware of when using it, in a simple and straightforward way.
What exactly is this medicine used for?
Simply put, Eliglustat is a long-term treatment for Gaucher disease type I in adults. But it is not given to everyone. To make sure this medicine is suitable for your body, your doctor will first do a special test. Only after that test will he decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Okay, now there are a few things you should definitely discuss with your doctor before starting this medication. Because it's very important for your safety that your doctor has a complete picture of your health. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell them about it.
- If you have heart disease , have had a heart attack before, or have an irregular heartbeat .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to eliglustat or other medicines, foods, or dyes.
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- This medicine comes in the form of a capsule. Take it by mouth with a glass of water .
- Take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time.
- Very important: Do not break, crush, or chew this capsule. Swallow it whole.
- Another very important thing is to never take this medicine with grapefruit juice. The two can cause a severe reaction.
- You can take this medicine with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, don't worry. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Don't take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This is a very important part. Other medications you are taking can interact with Eliglustat. So, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
| Medications that should not be taken with Eliglustat | |
|---|---|
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| Other medications that may interact with Eliglustat | |
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This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
What are the side effects that can occur while taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, this 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 | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Dangerous changes in heart rate | Chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling like your chest is pounding, fainting, trouble breathing. |
| Common side effects that you should tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea. |
| Other disorders | Headache, pain in the limbs or back, fatigue. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit).
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Eliglustat is a specific medicine for Gaucher disease type I. Your doctor will test you to see if this is a good fit for you.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or abnormal heartbeat.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. If you have any questions about the medicine, talk to your doctor.
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