Fostamatinib tablets: Let's know everything about this medicine in simple terms

You must have heard about the platelets in our blood. Usually, we talk about the decrease in these platelets in diseases like dengue. But sometimes, due to some error in our own immune system, that system starts destroying our own platelets. This is a bit complicated, long-term condition. In such a case, we are talking about a special medicine that is given to control the decrease in platelet count.

What kind of medicine is Fostamatinib?

Simply put, fostamatinib is a drug that helps stop your body from destroying your own platelets. It is mainly used to treat low platelet levels caused by a condition called chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) .

This is when our body's defense system (immune system) mistakenly thinks our own platelets are the enemy and attacks and destroys them. Fostamatinib works by interrupting that destructive process. Doctors may also prescribe this drug for other conditions. So if you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor and get them resolved.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to have a complete understanding of your health condition. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor about it.

• If you have high blood pressure: This medication can affect blood pressure, so it is very important to be aware of this.
• If you have any allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to fostamatinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: You should be especially careful about using this medicine during pregnancy, so you should talk to your doctor about this.
• If you are a nursing mother: As the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, inform the doctor about this as well.

How should I use the medicine?

This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor advises.

• Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
• You can take this with or without food. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.
• Take your medicine at the same time every day, at regular intervals. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
• The most important thing is, do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.

Should this medicine be given to children?

This medicine may require special care if given to children. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, be sure to talk to a pediatrician about it.

Overdosage

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, don't 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 if I miss a dose of medicine?

If you forget to take a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the scheduled time . Never take two pills at once because you forgot.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

Fostamatinib can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Below are some medications that may interact with this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, so tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking, as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol.

What are the side effects?

Like any medicine, fostamatinib can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It's important to be aware of these.

This list does not include all side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them as well.

Other things to be careful about when taking medication

• Blood tests: While taking this medication, your doctor will order periodic blood tests to monitor the progress of your treatment and check for side effects. Don't skip them.
• Drowsiness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore , avoid doing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Don't get up too quickly: Especially if you're older, don't get up suddenly from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.

How should you store your medicine?

• Be sure to keep it out of the reach of children .
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius) . Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Discard any medicine that has passed the expiration date on the medicine packet.

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