Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time? Do you find it hard to breathe even when you walk briskly? These could be signs of anemia, or what we commonly call "blood deficiency." For some people, this anemia is caused by a genetic disease like Beta Thalassemia. For others, it may be caused by conditions like Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). So, people like these often need blood transfusions. But today we are going to talk about a new, advanced vaccine that has come to treat these conditions. That is Luspatercept.
Simply put, what is Luspatercept?
Imagine that our bone marrow is a factory that makes red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout our body. They are what give us life and the energy to do work. Now, in people with diseases like Beta Thalassemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), this factory is a bit out of order. That means they don't produce the right amount of red blood cells.
This is where the drug Luspatercept (brand name: `REBLOZYL`) comes in. This vaccine is like a smart supervisor. It goes to the bone marrow factory and says, "Okay, let's do it right. Make more good, healthy, complete red blood cells." Simply put, what this drug does is help our bodies produce more healthy red blood cells. This gives us a great opportunity to reduce the number of blood transfusions or even stop them altogether.
How is this vaccine given?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Luspatercept is a subcutaneous injection. After your doctor prescribes it, you will be given the injection by trained medical staff in a hospital or clinic. You will usually need to get the injection about every three weeks. So you don't have to worry about it, they will take care of the timing.
The important thing is that this treatment has not yet been approved for children, so for now, consider this a treatment for adults.
Things you should tell your doctor before starting treatment
It is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history before starting any medication. Especially before starting Luspatercept, if any of the following apply to you, you should definitely tell them about it.
| Situation you need to report | Why is it important? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| If your spleen has been removed | The spleen is an organ that filters blood and performs many blood-related functions. Its absence can affect treatment. |
| If you have high blood pressure | This medication can sometimes cause your blood pressure to rise, so your doctor will be especially careful about that. |
| If you have had blood clots before | There is a small risk of blood clots when using this medication, so it is very important if you have had one in the past. |
| If you are a smoker | Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, so it's important to tell your doctor about this habit. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant | This is very important. This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to use adequate birth control during treatment and for several months after stopping. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is not known exactly whether this medicine passes to the baby through breast milk, and what will happen if it does. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor and make the best decision. |
| Other medications, allergies | Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Luspatercept or any other medicines or foods. Also, tell your doctor about all medicines and vitamins you take. |
Things to keep in mind during treatment
The medical team will monitor you closely throughout the time you are receiving this treatment.
- Regular blood tests: Blood samples are taken regularly and tests such as a ``Full Blood Count'' are performed to check your red blood cell count and whether the medication is working.
- Blood pressure measurement: Your blood pressure will be checked every time you come in for a vaccination.
- Birth control: As mentioned earlier, talk to your doctor about a suitable method of preventing pregnancy and follow it exactly.
- Don't miss your appointment: Be sure to go on your scheduled vaccination date. If you can't make it, call the clinic in advance and let them know.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
This is given in the hospital, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have been exposed to something like this, you should go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Let's learn about side effects.
Like any medicine, Luspatercept can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious and should be reported to your doctor immediately. Some are normal and go away after a few days.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Blood Clot | Sudden pain, swelling, redness in a leg. Chest pain, difficulty breathing. These are very dangerous. |
| Increase in Blood Pressure | Sudden severe headache, dizziness, vision changes. |
| Nerve problems | Severe back pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs, loss of balance, loss of bowel or bladder control. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Body pain | Pain in bones, joints, and muscles. |
| Fatigue and dizziness | Fatigue, dizziness. |
| Headache and stomach pain | General headache, stomach discomfort or pain. |
Remember, if you notice anything unusual that isn't on this list, don't be afraid to tell your doctor about it. You know your body best.
Take-Home Message
- Luspatercept is an advanced injectable drug used to treat anemia caused by conditions such as beta thalassemia and MDS.
- This stimulates our body's bone marrow and increases the production of healthy red blood cells.
- This treatment is provided in a hospital or clinic by trained staff.
- Before starting treatment, you should tell your doctor all your health information (especially pregnancy, blood clots, and high blood pressure).
- Be sure to use appropriate birth control to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for several months afterward.
- If you notice any signs of a dangerous side effect, such as blood clots or severe allergies, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medication, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
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