There are special medications that treat conditions caused by certain changes in your body's hormonal system. Perhaps your doctor has prescribed one of these medications for you or someone you know. Pasireotide is one such special injection. Today, we will talk about this medication, what it does, and what you need to be careful about, in a very simple and friendly way.
Simply put, what is Pasireotide?
Pasireotide is a medication that is used to control the levels of certain hormones produced in our bodies. It is usually given as an injection. This medication is mainly used for two conditions.
1. Acromegaly: This is a condition caused by the body producing too much growth hormone. This can cause the bones in the hands, feet, and face to enlarge. Pasireotide works by controlling this excessive growth hormone level.
2. Cushing's disease: This is a condition in which the body produces too much of the hormone `cortisol`. This can lead to many complications such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Pasireotide helps control the disease by reducing this `cortisol` level.
Most importantly, this medication is usually only used in cases where surgery is not possible, or if the disease is not fully controlled after surgery. The brand name for this may be `(Signifor LAR)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Your doctor will want to know your complete health history before starting this treatment, as some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes or high blood sugar levels | Pasireotide may cause blood sugar levels to rise further, so changes in diabetes control may be needed. |
| A history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat | This medicine can affect the rhythm of the heart beat, especially the heart beat may become slow . |
| Gallbladder disease | This medicine may increase the risk of gallstones. |
| Liver disease | If liver function is impaired, the dosage may need to be adjusted as the drug may be eliminated from the body more slowly. |
| Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood | Low levels of these minerals affect the heart rate, and Pasireotide can make the condition worse. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | There is still no complete data on the effects of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, it is imperative to talk to your doctor about this. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | If you have any allergies, it is important to check if they can also be caused by Pasireotide. |
How is this vaccine given and used?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Pasireotide is a subcutaneous injection. It is usually given to you by a trained medical professional (doctor or nurse) in a hospital or clinic.
Before starting treatment, you will be given a special leaflet called ``MedGuide'' which contains information about this medicine. It is very important to read and understand this carefully before each treatment.
What to do if you overdose?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you suspect you have overdosed, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
What if you miss the day you are supposed to get vaccinated?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time for this treatment. If you are unable to attend on the scheduled date, be sure to call your doctor or clinic and let them know.
What other medications may interact with Pasireotide?
Some medications you take may interact with Pasireotide and cause problems. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) .
| Do not take Pasireotide with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Dronedarone |
| Pimozide | Thioridazine |
| Problems can also occur with this medication (only on medical advice) | |
| Beta-blockers (e.g. metoprolol, propranolol) | Calcium channel blockers (e.g. diltiazem, verapamil) |
| Bromocriptine | Cyclosporine |
| Digoxin | Other medications that affect heart rhythm (prolong the QT interval) |
This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol.
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like any medicine, Pasireotide can cause side effects. Some are not serious, but some require immediate attention.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Heart rate problems | Fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or a slower than normal pulse. |
| Fainting / Fainting | Dizziness, feeling like your eyes are turning blue, and fainting. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar levels | Feeling more thirsty than usual, increased hunger, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Liver or gallbladder problems | Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach pain/diarrhea | Bloating or stomach discomfort. |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Hair loss | Hair loss |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, itching, or pain at the injection site. |
Your doctor will monitor you throughout the course of this treatment. It is essential to have regular blood tests . Also, if your symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, do not delay in telling your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Pasireotide is a vaccine given in a hospital to treat certain hormonal conditions, such as acromegaly and Cushing's disease.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- While taking this medication, be aware of things like high blood sugar levels, changes in heart rate, and liver problems.
- If you experience a serious side effect (e.g. severe dizziness, chest pain, yellowing of the skin), seek medical advice immediately.
- Attending clinics on scheduled dates and having blood tests is essential for the success of the treatment.
- If you have any questions, fears, or doubts about this medication, don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
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