Sometimes, the immune system that protects our body becomes overactive and starts attacking our own good cells. It's like the army that protects the country attacking its own people. This is a rare but very serious condition called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH for short. So, today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors use to control the overactive immune system in times like these.
Simply put, what is Emapalumab?
Emapalumab (brand name Gamifant) is a drug used to treat the condition Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) , which can cause severe inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body.
So what this medicine does is control this overactivity of our immune system and make it work a little more smoothly. It's like controlling the brakes on a speeding car. When the immune system slows down in this way, the inflammation and damage caused in the body are reduced. In medical terms, this belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies .
This medicine may also be prescribed by your doctor for other medical conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to tell your doctor your complete health history . Especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you currently have an infection: Tell your doctor about any infection you have, such as a fever, cough, or cold . This medicine can reduce the immune system's ability to fight infections.
- If you have recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one in the future: Vaccines, especially live virus vaccines, may interact with this medicine.
- About Tuberculosis (TB): If you have had tuberculosis in the past, have been in close contact with someone with tuberculosis, or have had a positive skin test for tuberculosis, you should tell your doctor.
- Other Allergies : Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, Emapalumab, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Talk to your doctor about how this medicine may affect pregnancy.
- If you are a nursing mother: Seek medical advice about whether this medicine passes to your baby through breast milk.
How do you get this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Emapalumab is an injection that is given into your body through a vein ( infusion ). This means it is given to you in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Can this medicine be given to small children?
Yes, this medicine can be prescribed for selected medical conditions, even for newborns. However, the decision is made by a specialist doctor after carefully examining the child's condition. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, discuss it thoroughly with the doctor.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have overdosed, 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 if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take your medication on time and on the scheduled days during this treatment. Therefore, do not miss your doctor's appointments. If for some reason you are unable to go on your scheduled day, call your doctor or medical team immediately and let them know.
Things to keep in mind during treatment
Your doctor will check you regularly while you are taking this medicine.
- TB Test: Before starting this treatment, you will be tested for tuberculosis. If your doctor prescribes medication for tuberculosis, you should start taking it before starting Emapalumab and finish it for the full prescribed period.
- Risk of infection: This medicine may reduce the activity of the immune system, so you may be slightly more likely to get infections. Therefore, if you experience fever, chills, sore throat, or other cold-like symptoms , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately for advice. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some people may get them, and some may not get them at all. Below are some of the possible side effects.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Signs of Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating, and general body discomfort. |
| Infusion Reactions | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or feeling dizzy. |
| Other serious symptoms | Stomach pain, feeling unusually tired or weak, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or persistent fever. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor side effects | Constipation, cough, diarrhea, stomach pain. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Emapalumab is a special drug given to treat HLH, a serious condition caused by an overactive immune system.
- Before starting this treatment, tell your doctor all your health information, especially any history of infections, allergies, and tuberculosis.
- During treatment, be very careful about signs of infection, such as fever and chills. If you experience any of these, inform your doctor immediately.
- Don't skip your doctor's appointments. It's very important to take your medications on time.
- This medicine is only given in a hospital or clinic and cannot be taken home.
- If you have any questions or doubts about this medicine, ask your doctor for clarification.
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