Do you also have Hereditary Angioedema, or HAE for short? If so, you probably know how uncomfortable and scary it is to suddenly, for no apparent reason, experience swelling in various parts of your body, including your face, throat, and limbs. Today, we wanted to talk about a special vaccine that doctors recommend to help prevent these sudden swellings. It is a vaccine called Lanadelumab.
Simply put, what is Lanadelumab?
Lanadelumab is a medicine that is given as an injection to prevent sudden attacks of swelling (attacks) caused by the condition Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) .
The most important thing to keep in mind is that this is used to reduce the chance of swelling, not to treat swelling once it has already occurred. Your doctor will have given you specific medications to use if you have sudden swelling.
This drug belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. In simple terms, it is a protein that is specially made in a laboratory and works like a protein in our body's immune system. It works by controlling a process in the body that causes HAE inflammation. In Sri Lanka, this drug is available under the brand name TAKHZYRO.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Your doctor will need to know your complete health history before starting this vaccine. So, be sure to tell him or her about the following:
- Allergies: If you have any allergies, not only to Lanadelumab, but also to any other medicine, food, preservatives, or dyes, please let us know first.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child, you should also inform your doctor.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and if so, what precautions you should take.
How should the vaccine be used?
This vaccine is given as a subcutaneous injection . Your doctor or nurse will usually teach you how to give it to yourself at home. They will explain how to prepare the medicine, the correct way to give the vaccine, and where to give it (such as the abdomen or thigh).
- Follow the instructions exactly: It is very important to take the exact dose, on the exact day, exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to.
- Disposing of used needles: This is very important. Never throw your used needles and syringes in the trash. Use a special container called a "sharps container." If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
- If given to young children: This medicine is sometimes recommended for children over 2 years of age. However, special precautions must be followed. Therefore, if you are giving this to a child, talk to your pediatrician about it carefully.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you've taken too much medicine, don't panic. But don't take it lightly either.
The immediate action is to call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
Important note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes you may forget to take the vaccine on the day you are supposed to take it. If this happens, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It hasn't been extensively studied yet to see how this drug interacts with other medications, but that doesn't mean it's safe.
Therefore, for your safety, tell your doctor about everything you use.
- Other medications prescribed by doctors
- Non-prescription drugs
- Vitamins and dietary supplements
- Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicine (herbs)
- It is also very important to openly admit if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Stay in touch with your doctor regularly. Go to the clinic on the days he or she tells you to check your condition. If your symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- Dizziness: Some people may feel dizzy while taking this medicine. Therefore, do not stand up or sit up suddenly. Be especially careful if you are over 65 years of age . Changing positions frequently can help reduce the risk of dizziness and fainting.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, the lanadelumab injection can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious and require immediate attention. Some are common. Let's break them down.
| Side effects of the Lanadelumab vaccine | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious allergic reactions |
|
| 👍 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Commonly seen things |
|
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms in addition to these, talk to your doctor about them.
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: Do not leave this medicine within reach of children and pets.
- Store correctly: If you are using this medicine at home, you will be given instructions on how to store it (for example, whether to refrigerate it). Follow those instructions exactly.
- Expired medications: Do not use medications after the expiration date on the label. Dispose of them properly.
In this article, we have only briefly discussed Lanadelumab. If you have any further questions about this, feel free to discuss them with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Lanadelumab is a drug that is used to prevent flare -ups of HAE, not to treat existing flare-ups.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your allergies and all other medications you are taking.
- Learn exactly how to inject yourself. And dispose of used needles safely in a sharps container.
- If you experience any serious allergic symptoms, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never let anyone else use it.
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