If you are living with HIV, it is important to stay informed about your treatment. Ibalizumab is a new type of HIV medication that is given as a shot. Your doctor may have told you about this treatment. So today, let's talk about it in a simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Ibalizumab?
Simply put, Ibalizumab is a medication that helps manage the symptoms of HIV infection. It works by limiting the spread of the HIV virus inside your body. It falls into the category of antiretroviral therapy .
However, there is one very important thing you need to remember. This medicine is not a complete cure for HIV or AIDS. Also, taking this medicine does not eliminate the possibility of you passing HIV to someone else. Therefore, it is essential to follow safe methods.
Not only that, this vaccine does not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This medicine can be found in the market under the brand name `(Trogarzo)`.
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ibalizumab or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, inform your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should definitely mention that as well.
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medicine is right for you or not.
How is this vaccine used?
This is not a medicine you can use at home.
- This medicine is given as an injection into a vein .
- It is done in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff.
- Never skip a dose of the vaccine. If you miss doses, the HIV virus can become resistant to this medicine and other medicines you take. This can make treatment more difficult.
- Continue taking this treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
- This medicine is rarely given to young children. If it is given, it requires special medical supervision.
What to do if you overdose?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, 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. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What if I miss the vaccination?
Remember the exact dates and times of your vaccinations and go to the clinic on time. If for some reason you are unable to go on that day, call your doctor or the clinic immediately and let them know. They will give you instructions on the next day to come.
Are there other things that could interact with this medication?
There are generally no reports of interactions with this medication. However, don't hide anything you're taking from your doctor just because you think it might be the case. For your own safety, give your doctor a list of everything you're taking.
- All other medications you are taking
- Sinhala medicine, herbs
- Vitamins or other dietary supplements
- Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
What should I be careful about when getting vaccinated?
It is important to take care of your health throughout this treatment.
- See your doctor on scheduled dates to check the progress of your treatment.
- If you develop any new symptoms , talk to your doctor about them.
- There are some important blood tests that need to be done while taking this medication. Don't skip them.
- Talk to your doctor and learn more about how to prevent spreading the HIV virus to others.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Let's see what they are.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | If you experience one or more symptoms such as skin rash, severe itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical advice immediately as it may be a serious condition. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Diarrhea | A condition like diarrhea. |
| Dizziness | Dizziness . |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. In addition, if you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it and get advice.
Take-Home Message
- Ibalizumab is a vaccine used to manage HIV infection, not a cure.
- This is given through a vein in a hospital or clinic.
- Never skip doses as this can cause the virus to become resistant to the medication.
- Give your doctor a complete description of all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- If you experience allergic symptoms such as skin rash and swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any concerns about this medication or your condition, never be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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