Has your doctor told you that you have a condition called Acromegaly? Or does someone close to you have this condition? Simply put, Acromegaly is a condition caused by the body producing too much growth hormone, or growth hormone. As a treatment for this, doctors sometimes recommend a vaccine called Pegvisomant. So today, let's talk about this Pegvisomant vaccine, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What is Pegvisomant?
Simply put, Pegvisomant is a drug that blocks the action of the excess growth hormone in your body. Think of it like the hormones in our body working like a key fitting into a lock. What this drug does is block the key of the excess hormone from fitting into the corresponding lock. This is how acromegaly is controlled.
This medicine can sometimes be used for other conditions, so if you have any questions, talk to your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start using this medicine, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
| Situation to be reported | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have cancer or a tumor | Because this medication acts on hormones, it may affect existing conditions. |
| If you have diabetes | This medication may interact with diabetes medications. |
| If you have liver disease | Because this medication can affect the liver, it is important to inform your doctor if you already have liver disease. |
| If you have allergies to pegvisomant or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is essential to prevent allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is very important to seek medical advice about the use of medications during pregnancy. |
| If you are breastfeeding | You should discuss with your doctor whether the medication passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How should this vaccine be used?
This is a subcutaneous injection . Your doctor or nurse will show you how to give yourself this injection.
- Follow the instructions exactly: Follow the directions on the medicine label exactly. Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to, in the amount and at the time you are told to. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not shake the medicine: Do not shake this medicine solution made by mixing the powder and liquid.
- Use after mixing: The medicine should be used within 6 hours of mixing.
- Needles and syringes: Dispose of used needles and syringes in a sharps container . Never throw them in the trash. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
Important note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share this medicine with anyone else. It can be dangerous.
Should this medicine be given to children?
This medicine may require special care if given to children, so discuss this with your pediatrician.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Don't delay.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss 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.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
While taking this medication, it is very important to see your doctor for regular check-ups. You will need to have some important blood work done to see how the medication is affecting your body. So don't miss your clinic appointments.
Also, there are other things that can interact with this medication.
- Medicines for diabetes
- Painkillers (especially narcotics)
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), if you smoke, and if you drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Watch out for the symptoms below.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, pale stools, nausea, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice). |
| Chest pain | Any discomfort or pain related to the heart. |
| Other serious symptoms | High blood pressure, fever, fluid retention or swelling in the body, unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme fatigue. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Discomfort at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given. |
| Other minor inconveniences | Diarrhea, dizziness, bone or muscle pain, numbness in the limbs. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store in the fridge: Store at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Do not freeze: Do not store in the freezer.
- After expiration: Discard any remaining solution after 6 hours of stirring and any medicine that has passed the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Pegvisomant is an injection given under the skin for the condition acromegaly.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Follow the instructions for using the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Dispose of used needles safely.
- If you notice any signs of liver damage (yellowing of the skin, dark urine) or severe allergic reactions, tell your doctor immediately.
- Don't miss out on going to the clinics on the scheduled dates and getting the necessary blood tests.
- If you have any questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor about it.
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