What you need to know about Migalastat tablets (for Fabry Disease)

Has your doctor prescribed you or someone you know to take a medicine called Migalastat ? This is not a very common medicine in our country. So you may have a lot of questions about this medicine. It is normal to think things like "What will happen with this?", "How should I take it?", "Will there be any annoying side effects ?" Don't worry, let's talk about all this simply and clearly.

Simply put, what is Migalastat?

Migalastat is a special medicine given to people with Fabry Disease. Now you may be wondering, "What is Fabry Disease?"

Think of our body as a big factory. In this factory, there are a lot of little workers who help everything work properly. We call them enzymes . In the body of a person with Fabry disease, a certain enzyme is not produced correctly , or it does not work properly. The main job of this enzyme is to break down a type of fatty substance (lipids) inside our cells.

Now, what happens when this enzyme doesn't work? Those fatty substances gradually start to accumulate in vital organs like the eyes, kidneys , and heart . It's like dirt getting stuck in a pipe. Over time, this can cause various health problems.

Here's what Migalastat pills do: They help that enzyme that's not working properly. It's like giving a little boost to a tired worker and telling him, "Okay, now do your job properly." The drug turns that enzyme back on and starts breaking down the stored fat. This results in a reduction in symptoms and a lower risk of serious health problems.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before starting Migalastat, it is very important to talk to your doctor completely openly. The more they know about your health, the safer they can treat you. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.

• Kidney disease : If you have any kidney-related disease, please tell us about it.
• Allergies : If you have any allergies to Migalastat or any other medicine, food, or dye, be sure to tell your doctor.
• Pregnancy : If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please tell us about it.
• If you are a nursing mother: If you are a nursing mother, also inform the doctor.

What is the best way to use the medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Please remember these instructions carefully.

• Drink with water: Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Do not break, crush, or chew: The tablet should be swallowed whole. Never break, crush, or chew it before taking it.
• Take on an empty stomach: This is the most important thing. You should take this medicine on an empty stomach. That means, you should take the medicine either 2 hours before or 2 hours after eating.
• A simple example: Imagine you take your medicine at 8 am. Then you should only eat until 6 am. After taking your medicine, you can eat again after 10 am. That means your stomach should be empty for at least 4 hours between taking your medicine.
• What you can drink: It's okay to drink water (plain, flavored, or sweetened), fruit juice without added sugars, and non-caffeinated carbonated drinks during this time.
• Do not stop until your doctor tells you to: Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.

What if you give it to children?

This medicine may require special care when given to children. Therefore, talk to your doctor about it and follow his or her instructions exactly.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Sometimes you may forget to take your medicine. If that happens, don't worry.

• Make up the missed time as soon as you remember.
• However, if it is too late to take the missed dose and there is less than 12 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Are there any things that are incompatible with this medicine?

There are few things that can interact with Migalastat, but there is one main one.

• Caffeine: Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks, can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication. It is best to avoid anything containing caffeine for the 4 hours that you need to be on an empty stomach.

This list may not be complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all other medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Migalastat can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are and what to do if they occur.

This list does not include all possible side effects. In addition, if you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored correctly.

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or extreme cold.
• Keep the medicine in its packaging until it is time to take it. Protect it from moisture.
• Do not use expired medicine.

How do I dispose of unused or expired medication?

It's not a good idea to just throw expired medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet. They can harm the environment. Ask your doctor or hospital about this. Sometimes hospitals may have programs to take these back.

If there is no such method and the doctor says it is safe to throw it in the trash, here's what to do:

1. Take the medicine out of the packet.

2. Mix them well with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter.

3. Place this mixture in a sealable bag or container, then throw it in the trash.

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