Has your doctor prescribed you a powder called L-Glutamine? Or has anyone in your family been prescribed this medication? This medication is often prescribed, especially for people with sickle cell disease. So today, let's talk in a very simple and friendly way about what L-Glutamine is, what it actually does, and what you should be careful about when using it.
What is L-Glutamine?
Simply put, L-Glutamine is a medication that helps prevent some of the severe symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease. You may know that people with this disease can experience sudden bouts of severe pain, known as 'pain crises' , and a severe chest condition called 'Acute Chest Syndrome' .
So what this medicine does is protect your red blood cells from damage and help maintain good blood circulation throughout the body. It's like providing a protective shield for our red blood cells.
In Sri Lanka, this medicine may come under the brand name Endari. However, sometimes your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions as well. If you have any questions about it, it is best to ask your doctor for clarification.
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before deciding whether this medicine is right for you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Since the kidneys remove the medication from the body, the dosage may need to be adjusted if you have kidney problems. |
| Liver disease | The doctor should be aware of this, as it can affect liver function. |
| Allergy to L-glutamine or other substances | Be sure to mention if you have any allergies to this medicine, other supplements, foods, colorings, or preservatives. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to inform your doctor about this, as special care must be taken when using medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are breastfeeding | Since the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should talk to your doctor about it. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is an oral medication. It is very important to follow the instructions on the label, as the doctor says.
- Measuring the dose: Since this is a powder, use only the measuring spoon or oral syringe provided to measure the dose. Do not use regular teaspoons or tablespoons that you find in your kitchen. They may not measure the correct dose accurately and may be off.
- Taking the medicine on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or more frequently.
- Stopping the medication: Never stop using this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. If you do, do so only under your doctor's advice.
- If given to children: Doctors recommend this medicine for children over 5 years of age under certain conditions. However, it is imperative to ask the doctor for specific advice.
What do you do if you accidentally take too much medicine?
Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine. If that happens, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to someone else who has the same symptoms as you, even if it seems to be working for you. It may be dangerous.
Missed doses and interactions with other medications
What if I forget to take a dose of medicine?
Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.
Interactions with other things
There are no complete studies on how this medicine interacts with other medications. Therefore, it is safest to give your doctor a complete list of all the other medications you are taking (prescribed or not), including vitamins, herbal products, or traditional medicines. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to watch out for and side effects when taking medication
Once you start using the medicine, pay attention to whether your symptoms improve, stay the same, or get worse. Be sure to tell your doctor about it when you go to see him.
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Let's take a look at what those side effects are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | If you experience skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, it could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Back pain | Back pain |
| Constipation | Constipation |
| Cough | Cough |
| Headache | Headache |
| Nausea | Nausea |
| Stomach ache | Stomach pain |
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything else, talk to your doctor about it.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep this medicine locked up in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets .
- It is best to store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and humidity.
- Never use expired medications . Dispose of them properly.
In this article, we have only briefly discussed L-Glutamine. If you have any further questions, it is best and safest to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- L-Glutamine is a medicine that helps prevent symptoms of sickle cell disease, such as pain crises.
- Use only the special measuring device provided by your doctor to measure the dose of medicine. Do not use teaspoons from home.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially kidney or liver disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- If you experience allergic symptoms such as skin rash and facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately or contact the National Poisons Information Center.
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