Has your doctor diagnosed you or someone you know with Cushing's disease? In that case, sometimes surgery may not be possible, or even surgery may not be completely successful. Today, we are going to talk about a special vaccine that doctors recommend in such cases. That is the Pasireotide vaccine. This is most commonly available under the brand name Signifor.
Simply put, what happens with this Pasireotide vaccine?
A person with Cushing's disease has very high levels of a hormone called cortisol in their body. This is what causes the symptoms of the disease. So the main function of this Pasireotide injection is to control and reduce this high level of cortisol in your blood. That is, this medicine treats the root cause of this disease.
However, your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions, so if you have any further questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the medical conditions listed below.
- If you have diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
- If you have gallbladder disease or stones.
- If you have a history of heart disease or an irregular heartbeat.
- If you have previously had pancreatitis.
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have been reported to have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
- If you have a thyroid problem (thyroid disease).
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to pasireotide or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How to use the vaccine correctly?
This is an injection under the skin. A doctor or nurse will clearly teach you how to give this, from how to prepare the medicine to how to inject the medicine. Follow those instructions exactly . Take the medicine at the right time, in the right amount. Do not take the medicine more often than your doctor tells you to.
What do you do with used needles and syringes?
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. You need a special container for them, called a 'sharps container.' If you don't have one, you can get one from your doctor or hospital.
Usually, when you are prescribed this medicine, you will receive a special leaflet (MedGuide) with details about it. Read it carefully each time you take the medicine.
If you are giving this medicine to children, special care may be required, so be sure to seek advice from a pediatrician.
What if I take too much medicine or miss a dose?
If you take too much medicine (Overdosage):
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
If you miss a dose:
Take the missed dose 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.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), as some medications may interact with Pasireotide.
| Type of medicine | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Never take Pasireotide with this medicine. | |
| Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine | These can severely affect heart function. |
| If you are taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
| Beta-blockers - e.g. Metoprolol, Propranolol | The heart rate may decrease abnormally. |
| Calcium channel blockers - e.g. Diltiazem, Verapamil | These can also affect the heartbeat. |
| Bromocriptine, Cyclosporine, Digoxin | Pasireotide may change the way these medications work. |
| Other drugs that prolong the QT interval (QT prolonging drugs) - e.g. Dofetilide | Increases the risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Also tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Symptoms that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Symptoms of high blood sugar levels:
|
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from light.
- Throw away expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Pasireotide is a specific treatment for Cushing's disease. It is for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- This medicine may cause high blood sugar levels. Watch for symptoms such as excessive thirst and frequent urination.
- If you take too much medicine or experience a severe side effect, immediately notify the ETU or the National Poisons Information Center .
- Feel free to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about this medication.
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