Do you or someone you know have Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)? If so, your doctor may have told you about a vaccine called Inebilizumab (pronounced: ee-ne-bi-li-su-mab). Hearing a name like that can be a bit scary. But don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this drug, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
So, what is this drug called Inebilizumab?
Simply put, `Inebilizumab` (brand name: UPLIZNA) is a specific protein. In medical science, we call this `monoclonal antibody`. Its main function is to control the disease condition `Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)`.
NMOSD is a condition in which our body's immune system attacks its own nerve cells, especially those in the eyes and spinal cord. So what this drug `Inebilizumab` does is target that faulty immune system process, stop it, and minimize the damage caused by the disease.
This medicine may also be prescribed by your doctor for other conditions, so if you have any concerns, please ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. In particular, you should definitely tell him about the following points.
| What you need to know | Why is that? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Immune system problems: If you have other immune system weaknesses. | Because this medication alters the functioning of the immune system, it is important to be aware of an existing problem. |
| Current infections: If you have a fever, cold, cough, or a viral infection such as chickenpox or herpes. | This medicine reduces your ability to fight infections, so an existing infection may become worse. |
| Allergies: If you have allergies to Inebilizumab or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is essential to prevent a severe allergic reaction that may occur when the medicine is administered. |
| Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | This medicine can be harmful to the baby in the womb, so it is very important to talk about this. |
How can I give you this medicine?
``Inebilizumab`` is not a medicine to take at home. It is an injection given through a vein with saline (intravenous infusion) . This treatment is given in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of trained medical staff.
Before treatment, you may be given other medications (for example, allergy medications) to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to the medication.
Before each treatment session, you will be given a special information leaflet (`MedGuide`) about this medicine. It is important to read and understand it carefully each time.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have taken too much of the medicine, inform the medical staff immediately. Otherwise, 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 the day to take the medicine?
This treatment is given on a scheduled basis. Therefore, it is very important to receive treatment on time. If for some reason you are unable to attend on your scheduled date, call your doctor or hospital immediately and let them know, so that they can schedule an appointment for the next available date.
Things you should be especially careful about while taking the medicine
Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication, and it is important for you to be aware of these things as well.
- Risk of infection: Because this medicine suppresses your immune system to some extent, you may be at increased risk of infection . Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, cold symptoms, or pain when urinating. Do not self-medicate. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
- Severe allergic reactions: Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to this medicine. If you experience any skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue during or shortly after the injection, notify the medical staff immediately.
- Avoiding pregnancy: If you are a woman, avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment . This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about it.
Special Note: Very rarely, this medicine can cause a serious, life-threatening infection of the brain (called `Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy - PML`) in some people. Therefore, if you experience any difficulty or change in your vision, thinking, speaking, walking, or balance , tell your doctor immediately .
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, `Inebilizumab` can cause some side effects. Some of these should be reported immediately, while others are not so serious.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, urinary tract infection. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Body aches | Back pain, joint pain. |
| Headache | Mild to moderate headache. |
| Discomfort at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. In addition, if you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- `Inebilizumab` is a specific medicine given through a vein in a hospital for `Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).`
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- If you develop symptoms of infection such as fever and cough while taking this medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid getting pregnant during treatment and for 6 months after stopping it. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for clarification on any problems or doubts you may have. They are there to help you.
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