Sometimes it's normal to feel a little scared when a doctor prescribes a vaccine. But when you learn exactly what the drug is and what it does to your body, that fear disappears. Today we're going to talk about one such vaccine. It's called Levocarnitine. You may have heard of this name before. Let's take a quick look at what it is.
What is Levocarnitine? Why do we need it?
Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to overcome the low level of carnitine in our body. Now you may be asking, "What is this carnitine?" Think of the cells in our body as little factories. These factories need energy to work. One of the main fuels that our body uses to produce this energy is fat .
So, this fuel called fat needs to be taken into the 'engine' (the mitochondria in the cells) that creates energy. The 'carrier' or 'truck' that carries it is called carnitine .
Without carnitine, our bodies cannot properly use fat for energy. This is essential for the healthy functioning of our brain, heart, and muscles .
If for some reason a person's body lacks carnitine, doctors will give them a Levocarnitine injection. This can be injected under the brand name Carnitor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you the levocarnitine injection, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation you need to report | Why is it important? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | The kidneys remove the unwanted parts of this medicine from the body. If there is a problem with the kidneys, the doctor may have to change the dosage of the medicine. |
| If you have had seizures before | This medication can sometimes affect seizures , so it is important for your doctor to be aware of this. |
| Allergies | If you have any allergies to levocarnitine, other medications, foods, or preservatives, be sure to tell your doctor. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | Any medication should be taken with extreme caution during pregnancy, so tell your doctor about your condition. |
| If the baby is breastfed | You should also inform your doctor about this, as you need to consider whether the medication can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How is this vaccine given?
This is not a medicine you can take home.
- This is an intravenous injection .
- This vaccine is given by a doctor or trained nurse in a hospital or clinic .
- This can be given to young children, even newborns, under certain special medical conditions. However, this is only decided and supervised by your doctor.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is given in a hospital, under medical supervision, the chances of overdose are very low. However, if you think that something has happened, you should inform the hospital staff immediately. Normally, if something is poisonous to the body, we seek advice from the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or you should go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Levocarnitine can cause side effects in some people, although not everybody gets them. Below is a list of possible side effects.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (may cause difficulty breathing). |
| 🙂 Things to tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome | |
| Stomach ache | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Body odor | Some people may experience a slight fishy body odor . This is not dangerous, but if it bothers you, tell your doctor. |
| Vaccination site | Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Can this medicine interact with other medications?
Yes. Levocarnitine can interact with some medications.
- Other carnitine-containing supplements: Do not take this vaccine if you are already taking another vitamin or supplement that contains carnitine.
- Warfarin: This is a medication that prevents blood clotting. If you are taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, herbal remedy, and supplement you take. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Take-Home Message
- Levocarnitine is a drug that artificially provides a substance called carnitine, which helps our body produce energy from fat.
- This is an injection given intravenously and is only given in a hospital or clinic.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially kidney disease, seizures ) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as skin rash and swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, never hesitate to ask your doctor. You have every right to be informed about your health.
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