We all know that fighting cancer is not an easy journey. During this journey, has the doctor told you or anyone in your family about a special medicine called 'Ipilimumab'? Hearing this name may sound a little complicated, and you may even feel nervous. But don't worry. Today, we will talk about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about, in a very simple and friendly way.
What kind of medicine is Ipilimumab (YERVOY)?
Simply put, Ipilimumab is an immunotherapy . It's not like traditional chemotherapy. It works by stimulating our own immune system to help it recognize and attack cancer cells. More specifically, it's a specially designed protein. In medicine, we call this a `monoclonal antibody.'
This medicine is mainly used to treat various types of cancer. For example:
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer
- Cancer of the lining of the lungs (Mesothelioma)
Your doctor may also recommend this medicine for other medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is extremely important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- Immune system diseases: If you have autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus, in which your body's immune system mistakenly attacks parts of your own body.
- Organ transplants: If you have had an organ transplant before.
- Stem cell transplants: If you have had or plan to have an allogeneic stem cell transplant from someone else.
- Nervous system diseases: If you have nervous system diseases such as `Myasthenia gravis` or `Guillain-Barre syndrome`.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this medicine (Ipilimumab) or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have any doubts about it.
- If you are a nursing mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding her baby.
Talking to your doctor without hiding this information is very important for your safety and the success of your treatment.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This is not a pill or capsule that you take home. This is an injection that is given into a vein, like saline . This treatment is given in a hospital or clinic, under the full supervision of a doctor or trained nursing staff.
This medicine is usually given to the body over a period of 30 to 90 minutes. 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.
Missing a dose can be a big problem. So if you can't go to your scheduled appointment, call your doctor or hospital immediately to let them know and get advice on what to do next.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is the most important thing. Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment. It can seriously harm an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
- Medical supervision: Your doctor will monitor your condition closely throughout your treatment, including ordering regular blood tests (blood work).
- If you overdose: This is very unlikely as it is given in hospital. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) .
Possible Side Effects
Like any medicine, Ipilimumab can cause some side effects. Some of these should be reported immediately, while others are not so serious. Let's understand this clearly from the table below.
| Side effect | Description and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Stomach pain and diarrhea | Severe stomach pain, loose or bloody stools, and black, tarry stools. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pale stools, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, extreme fatigue. |
| Skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Nervous system problems | Numbness in the limbs, pain, vision changes, eye pain, extreme dizziness, and fainting. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, chest pain. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Headache | General headache. |
| Appetite | Decreased appetite. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Ipilimumab is a specific treatment that helps the body's own immune system attack cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely during treatment and for 3 months after it ends.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as severe diarrhea, severe skin blistering, yellowing of the eyes, or difficulty breathing.
- Do not miss scheduled treatment appointments. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please notify the hospital in advance.
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