Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a medication with a name that is a bit unfamiliar to you or someone in your family. Lonafarnib is one such medication that is prescribed for very specific conditions. So today, let's talk about this medication in a friendly and simple way, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What exactly is Lonafarnib?
Simply put, Lonafarnib is a drug used to treat very rare genetic conditions like Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. It also commonly comes under the brand name Zokinvy.
The important thing is that this is not a cure for the disease. But it does help control the effects and symptoms of the disease and help the patient live a better life.
Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Eye diseases: If you have any eye-related condition.
- Changes in mineral levels: If previous tests have found low or high levels of minerals (electrolytes) such as calcium, potassium, and sodium in the blood.
- Kidney problems: Any medical condition related to the kidneys.
- Liver disease: Any medical condition related to the liver.
- Allergies: If you have any allergies to this medicine, Lonafarnib, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to take it as prescribed.
- This medicine should be taken with a meal .
- Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsule.
- If you have difficulty swallowing: If you or a child suddenly have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can carefully open it and mix the medicine inside with 5-10 ml of a special liquid called Ora Blend SF, Ora-Plus, orange juice, or 1-2 teaspoons of applesauce.
- A very important warning: Do not, under any circumstances, take this medicine with grapefruit juice or the juice of Seville oranges, which are sometimes called bitter oranges.
- If the medicine is mixed with anything, the mixture must be drunk within 10 minutes .
- Continue taking the medicine until the doctor tells you to stop.
If you give it to small children...
Doctors also recommend this medicine for children over 12 months of age in some special cases. But it is done under special precautions. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor carefully and get advice.
What should you do if you miss a dose or take too much?
If you miss a dose of medication
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is more than 8 hours until your next dose. However, if it is less than 8 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Other medications: This medication can interact with many other medications, so give your doctor a complete list of all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
- Protection from infections: Taking this medicine may lower your body's immunity a little. Therefore, if you experience symptoms like fever, cold, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor. Try to stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
- Vision Care: Your doctor may want to check your vision before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision.
- Pregnancy and childbearing: This is very important. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. It can seriously harm an unborn baby. If you are planning to have a baby, talk to your doctor about it before starting this medicine. This medicine may also affect fertility in women and men. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Lonafarnib can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious and should be reported immediately.
| Type of side effect | Features to look for |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| Kidney damage | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine that comes out. |
| Infectious conditions | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Changes in potassium levels in the blood | Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, muscle twitching, feeling light-headed. |
| Anemia | Difficulty breathing, paleness, extreme fatigue, fainting. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision or any other changes. |
| Loss of appetite and weight loss | Loss of appetite or unexpected weight loss. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other common problems | Cough, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue. |
This list may not include all side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you store medicine?
- Keep it safe, out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
Take-Home Message
- Lonafarnib is a medicine used for very specific medical conditions. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as vision changes, fever, or signs of liver damage.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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