Sometimes, some of the diseases that our children suffer from are very complex. And the medicines given for them are also special. Today we are going to talk about one such special medicine. This medicine is called Odevixibat, which is given to some children to treat unbearable skin itching caused by a rare liver disease. If your child has been prescribed this medicine by the doctor, then this article will be very important for you.
What kind of medicine is Odevixibat?
Simply put, Odevixibat is a medicine that is given to control excessive itching caused by a problem with your child's liver. It is known by the market name Bylvay.
Medically speaking, this belongs to a class of drugs called ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitors . This means that this medicine controls the reabsorption of bile acids in our intestines into the body.
This medicine is mainly used to control itching in patients with a condition called Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC) . PFIC is a rare genetic condition that interferes with the flow of bile from liver cells. This causes bile to build up in the body, causing unbearable itching. Odevixibat works by controlling the underlying cause of the itching.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before using this medicine, it is important to give your doctor a complete description of your or your child's health condition. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- Vitamin deficiencies: If a doctor has told you that you have low levels of vitamins A, D, E, or K in your blood, tell them.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or are planning to have a baby in the near future, you should tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to inform the nurse.
Talking to the doctor without hiding this kind of information is very important for your and your child's safety.
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Take the correct dose, at the correct time, as prescribed by your doctor.
| Advice | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Taking medicine | Take at the same time every day, with a good glass of water. It is best to take it with a meal. |
| Swallowing the capsule | Swallow the capsule whole . Do not break, crush, or chew it for any reason. |
| If it is difficult to swallow | If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, carefully open it, mix the powder inside with two tablespoons of a thick food such as yogurt or applesauce, and swallow quickly without chewing. Never mix this medicine with liquids (water, milk, juice). |
| With other medications | If you are taking cholesterol-lowering medications (bile acid binding resins) such as Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, or Colestipol, take them 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking Odevixibat. |
When to give this medicine to children?
Doctors recommend this medicine for babies as young as 3 months in some special cases. However, there are some things to be careful about. Therefore, when giving this medicine to your child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you or your child has taken too much of this medicine, don't delay.
Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your 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
Some medications can interact with Odevixibat, especially, as we mentioned earlier, with medications in the bile acid binding resins class.
- Cholestyramine
- Colesevelam
- Colestipol
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, and traditional herbs).
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: Be sure to go to your doctor's scheduled check-ups for you or your child. Talk to your doctor about whether your symptoms are getting better or worse.
- Vitamins: It is important to make sure you are getting the vitamins you need (especially the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K) while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the foods you eat and any supplements you are taking.
- Blood tests: During treatment, your doctor may order some blood work to check things like your liver function. Don't skip them.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Odevixibat can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Dark yellow or brown urine, feeling lethargic, fever, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, and yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice). |
| Diarrhea | Persistent diarrhea. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Stomach ache | General stomach ache. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius) , in a dry place.
- Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.
How do you get rid of unused medicine?
It is not a good idea to throw expired or unwanted medications in the trash or down the toilet. Ask your doctor for advice. If they say it is okay to throw the medication in the trash, take the medication out of the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and put it in a tightly sealed bag.
Take-Home Message
- Odevixibat is a medication that is prescribed for itching caused by a specific liver condition called PFIC and should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew it. Only mix it with a solid food if you have difficulty swallowing.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and your medical conditions.
- If you notice any serious side effects, such as allergic symptoms or signs of liver damage (yellowing of the eyes, dark urine), inform your doctor immediately.
- If you overdose, go to the National Poison Information Center or ETU immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medication, be sure to talk to your doctor.
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