Do you or someone in your family have a condition called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a pill called Enasidenib. The name may sound a bit strange to you. This is not a regular medicine, but a special treatment. So, today we will talk about this medicine called Enasidenib (also known by the brand name IDHIFA), what it does to the body, and what you should be aware of when using it.
To be precise, what kind of medicine is this Enasidenib?
Simply put, Enasidenib is a targeted therapy . Now you might be wondering what that is. Think about it, in regular chemotherapy, all rapidly dividing cells (both good and bad) are affected. However, in this targeted therapy, something different happens.
This drug directly identifies a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow and stops the activity of that protein. It is like finding an enemy and attacking it only. As a result, the damage to healthy cells is relatively minimal. This drug is mainly used to treat a type of blood cancer called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is extremely important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you and how it should be given. Don't forget to tell them about these things in particular:
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have allergies to Enasidenib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding this information.
How exactly should I use this medicine?
Using the medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor is essential for the success of the treatment.
- Swallow this pill well with a full glass of water.
- You can take this before or after meals. However, if you feel upset or nauseous, it is better to take it with food.
- Most importantly: Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet for any reason. Swallow the tablet whole.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at about the same time every day. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or stop taking it halfway unless your doctor tells you to.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, or if you vomit after taking a dose, take that dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. The dosage has been determined based on your medical condition and body type. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
While taking this medicine, you need to pay a little more attention to your body.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important . You should completely avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for at least 2 months after stopping the medicine. Men should also avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping it. This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn child. Also, do not breastfeed your child while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping it.
- Other medications: Other medications you are taking may interact with Enasidenib, especially hormonal birth control pills, patches, and injections. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Fertility: This medication may affect your ability to have children. If you have any concerns or concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it.
- Medical supervision: Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout the course of this treatment. You will need to have regular blood tests . It is important to get these tests done on time and on schedule.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Enasidenib can cause some side effects. However, not everybody gets them. It is important to be aware of them. Let's break them down.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, cough, chest pain. |
| Body swelling and weight gain | Swelling of hands and feet, sudden rapid weight gain. |
| Liver problems | Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark-colored urine. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine that comes out. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, dizziness. |
| 🙂 Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting. |
| Appetite | Decreased appetite. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Enasidenib is a targeted therapy used for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
- Never break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole with water.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking the medication and for 2 months after stopping. This applies to both men and women.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, body swelling, or yellowing of the skin, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any concerns or questions about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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