Sometimes, living with skin diseases and joint pain can be very tiring, right? These constant discomforts can also be very distressing. So today we are going to talk about a special injection used to treat such conditions. Its name is Guselkumab. Your doctor may have told you about this medicine. Let's see what are the most important things you need to know about this medicine.
What kind of medicine is this Guselkumab?
Simply put, Guselkumab is a drug that controls some of the activities of our body's immune system and reduces symptoms. It is most commonly known by the brand name Tremfya. It is mainly used to treat two conditions.
- Plaque psoriasis: This is a condition where the skin becomes red, swollen, and scaly. These patches can be itchy and painful.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Some people with psoriasis experience swelling and pain in their joints. That's what we call this condition.
This medicine works by controlling the inflammation in the body that causes both of these conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before you start the Guselkumab vaccine, you need to tell your doctor your complete health history. Don't hide anything, even the smallest thing. Because it is very important for your safety.
| The situation that concerns you | Details to inform the doctor |
|---|---|
| Infections | Do you currently have any infections (e.g. cold, fever, cough)? Do you have a history of viral infections such as chickenpox or herpes? |
| Tuberculosis (TB) | Have you ever had tuberculosis? Have you ever had a positive TB test? Have you recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis? |
| Vaccines | Have you recently received any vaccinations? Are you planning to receive any in the future? (Especially live virus vaccines). |
| Allergies | Do you have an allergy to Guselkumab or any other medicine, food, or dye? |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Are you pregnant? Are you expecting a baby? Or are you a breastfeeding mother? Be sure to tell us about this. |
| Other health problems | Do you have any other conditions related to your immune system? |
How is this vaccine used?
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin . You may be given this at a hospital or clinic. Or, you may be taught how to give yourself the injection at home. If so, you should follow the instructions exactly .
- Take the vaccine exactly on the scheduled days, according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or take it too often.
- Very important: Never throw used injectors, needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor for one.
- Always read the MedGuide carefully about the medicine you are given.
Should this medicine be given to children?
This medicine may require special care if given to children. Therefore, discuss this medicine with your doctor before giving it to your child.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take your medicine on time. If you cannot keep an appointment at the hospital, call your doctor right away and tell him/her. If you are a home-vaccinator and miss a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose as per your usual schedule.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Guselkumab can interact with some other medications. This means that taking them together can cause unwanted effects.
| Drugs to watch out for | |
|---|---|
| Drugs that should never be taken with Guselkumab | |
| - Live virus vaccines | |
| Other drugs that may interact with Guselkumab | |
|
Important: This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Before you start taking this medicine, you will be tested for tuberculosis (TB). If your doctor prescribes medicine for tuberculosis, you must start taking it and finish the full course before starting Guselkumab.
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you develop an infection like a cold or flu while taking this medicine, do not take any medicine you feel like taking. Talk to your doctor immediately. This medicine can slightly reduce the body's ability to fight infections.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|
How should I store the medicine?
This is also a very important point. To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored correctly.
- Keep away from children.
- Store unopened syringes in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (2 to 8 C).
- Store in its original container, protected from light.
- Never store in the freezer. Do not shake the medicine.
- Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Guselkumab is a special vaccine for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor all your health information, especially your history of infections and tuberculosis.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. If you miss a dose, don't panic and follow the instructions.
- If you develop signs of infection (fever, cough) or allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling) while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep the vaccine in the refrigerator, at the correct temperature. Do not store it in the freezer.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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