If you or someone close to you is being treated for breast cancer, your doctor may have talked to you about a vaccine called PHESGO. While the name may sound a bit complicated, it is actually a combination of several medications that are very important in the treatment of breast cancer. So today, let's talk about this simply, as if you were talking to a friend, and understand everything clearly.
What exactly is this PHESGO?
Simply put, PHESGO is a combination of three drugs. They are Pertuzumab , Trastuzumab , and Hyaluronidase . Now let's see what happens with each of these.
- Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab: These are both special types of proteins. In medicine, we call these monoclonal antibodies . Think of them as two missiles that hit the target. When they enter our body, they go straight to find cancer cells. They attach to those cancer cells, stop them from growing, or even destroy them. These are very effective treatments because they target only cancer cells without causing much damage to healthy cells.
- Hyaluronidase: This is the third one. What it does is help the two medicines mentioned above to be absorbed better by our body. Normally, it takes a long time to give those two medicines intravenously (into a vein). But thanks to this one called Hyaluronidase, it has been possible to give both those medicines at once as a simple injection under the skin. This greatly reduces the discomfort and time spent in the hospital for the patient.
So, these three people come together to create this powerful treatment called PHESGO.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor without hiding anything. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease: If you have a pre-existing heart condition or heart failure.
- High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure.
- Irregular heartbeat: If you have ever had an abnormal heartbeat before.
- Lung or respiratory diseases: If you have respiratory diseases such as asthma.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to these medications, but to any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: This is especially important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have any concerns about it . And of course, if you are a breastfeeding mother .
Giving this information to your doctor will help him treat you safely and most effectively.
How this vaccine is given and what you need to know
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin. This is usually given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic. However, in some cases, a trained health worker can come to your home and give you the vaccine.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time during this treatment. If for some reason you are unable to get the vaccine on time, call your doctor immediately and let them know.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is not usually the case, as this is administered by a professional. However, if you think you have somehow taken too much of the medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can this medicine be given to children?
This medicine is usually given to adults. Special care is needed if it is given to children. Talk to your child's doctor about this.
Things to be especially careful about while taking this medicine:
- Regular medical checkups: While taking this medicine, have regular checkups as directed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor regularly about whether your symptoms are getting better or worse. Your doctor will monitor things like your heart function regularly.
- Avoid pregnancy (very important): This is very important . You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for 7 months after stopping treatment. This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the most effective birth control method during this time.
- Interactions with other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Some chemotherapy drugs, such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and epirubicin, can interact with this medication. It is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what those side effects are and what to do if they occur.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, cough. |
| Heart symptoms | Chest pain, palpitations, sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles or legs. |
| Other serious symptoms | Dizziness, loss of consciousness, fever or chills, pain in the limbs, numbness, feeling unusually tired. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. |
| Physical pain | Joint pain, muscle pain. |
| Other minor features | Hair loss, redness, itching or pain at the injection site, general fatigue. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else that is different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- PHESGO is a specific, targeted treatment for breast cancer. It is a combination of three drugs.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor all your health information, especially heart disease, allergies, and pregnancy.
- It is imperative to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for 7 months after stopping. This is very important.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- Stay in regular contact with your doctor. Don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions or concerns. Your well-being is the most important thing.
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