Do you often feel numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands and feet? Do you sometimes feel like these areas are going to go numb? Although these symptoms may seem normal, sometimes there can be a serious reason behind them. Today we are talking about a medication that is injected through a vein and is used to treat such a specific condition. That is Patisiran.
What is this Patisiran? What does it mean?
Simply put, Patisiran is a vaccine. It is used to treat neurological problems in people with a genetic condition called hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) .
Now you might be wondering what hATTR is. It's very simple. We all have proteins in our bodies. In people with this hATTR condition, a protein called transthyretin misfolds, clumps together, and deposits itself like a mush. This deposit mainly occurs around the nerves, heart, and other organs. When this happens, those organs, especially the nerves, start to get damaged. That's why the symptoms mentioned earlier, such as numbness, pain, and inflammation in the limbs, appear.
The drug Patisiran works by reducing the production of that misfolded protein. That is, when this drug enters the body, it controls the production of that harmful protein. Then, the accumulation of that protein around the nerves decreases, and the symptoms are gradually controlled. This drug is available on the market under the name ONPATTRO .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Because this is a specialized medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health condition before starting treatment. Be sure to tell them about the following:
- Allergies: If you have any allergies, not just to Patisiran, but to any other medicine, food, or preservatives, please tell us about them.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant, tell your doctor before starting treatment.
- If you are a nursing mother: If you are a nursing mother, you should also inform the doctor.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this treatment is suitable for you or not and how to proceed.
How will this medicine be given to you?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Patisiran is an intravenous infusion. Therefore, it is only given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of trained medical staff.
This treatment is usually given once every three weeks. It takes about an hour and a half to inject the medicine into the body.
Important: If you are unable to attend your scheduled treatment, please notify your doctor or clinic immediately. It is not a good idea to skip treatment doses.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think something has happened, immediately report it to the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It is very important to take good care of your body during treatment.
- Infusion Reactions: Some people may have reactions while this medicine is being given into a vein or shortly after it is given. For example, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or feeling dizzy. To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you other medicines (such as allergy medicine) before you receive the Patisiran injection. So follow your doctor's instructions exactly. The medical staff will watch you closely while the medicine is being given.
- Vitamin A levels: Patisiran can cause a decrease in vitamin A levels in the body. Vitamin A is essential for our eyesight, skin health, and immunity. Therefore, your doctor may recommend that you take a vitamin A tablet daily. It is very important to take it exactly as prescribed. Also, talk to your doctor about foods rich in vitamin A (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, milk).
- Changes in vision: If you experience any changes in your vision, such as dry eyes, tell your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of vitamin A deficiency.
- Regular check-ups: Your doctor will check you regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or not. Be sure to attend these check-ups regularly.
Side effects that may occur due to this medicine
Like any medicine, Patisiran can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them, some are serious and some are common.
| Possible side effects of Patisiran | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Infusion Reactions | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, dizziness. |
| Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency | Changes in vision, dry eyes, dry skin, frequent infections. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| General inconveniences | Joint pain, muscle aches, sore throat, stomach discomfort. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Patisiran is a vaccine that treats neurological disorders caused by a specific genetic condition called hATTR.
- This is only given in a hospital or clinic, under medical supervision.
- Be aware of infusion reactions that may occur while taking the medication.
- This medication can reduce the body's vitamin A levels, so be sure to take the vitamin A pill your doctor recommends.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms, side effects, or problems you may experience. Good communication is the key to successful treatment.
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