We all know that fighting cancer is not an easy journey. Doctors use various treatments to help you through this challenging journey and to help you recover. For example, Polatuzumab Vedotin is a very important and innovative drug used to treat a type of cancer called lymphoma. Your doctor may have known it by the brand name Polivy. So today, let's talk about this drug, how it works in our bodies, what we need to be careful about when taking this treatment, and all the possible side effects.
What kind of medicine is this? How does it work?
Simply put, Polatuzumab Vedotin is a treatment that targets and destroys cancer cells. Let's understand this a little more simply.
Think of cancer cells as bad plants growing in our bodies. These bad plants have a special protein on their surface that helps them grow and spread. What this drug, Polatuzumab Vedotin, does is find that protein and attaches itself to it. Then, it sends a cancer-fighting drug inside that drug molecule right into the cancer cell. In other words, it's like finding the cancer cell and injecting the drug right into it.
In this way, the drug can target and destroy only cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells. This results in cancer cells losing their ability to grow, divide, and spread.
Things to tell your doctor before starting treatment
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete medical history before deciding whether this treatment is right for you and whether it is safe. Therefore, be sure to tell him or her about the following:
| What you need to know | Description |
|---|---|
| Current infections | If you currently have any infections, such as chickenpox or herpes, please tell us about them. |
| Liver diseases | If you have or have had any liver disease, be sure to tell us about it. |
| Blood cell levels | If you have previously been diagnosed with low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood, please let us know. |
| Neurological disorders | If you have tingling in your fingers or toes, or if you have any other nerve disorder, tell us about it. |
| Allergies | Be sure to inform us if you have any allergies to this medicine (Polatuzumab Vedotin), other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you or your partner are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before starting treatment. |
How is this medicine given?
This is not a pill or capsule that you can take home. This medicine is given through a vein, like a saline solution (infusion) . This treatment is given to you in a hospital or clinic, by a doctor or a trained medical staff. So you have nothing to worry about. They will take good care of you.
If you accidentally overdose, or if you suspect that you have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
This treatment is given on a scheduled schedule. Therefore, it is very important to follow the dates and times given by the doctor exactly. If for some reason you are unable to go on the scheduled date, please contact your medical team immediately and inform them . Never make decisions on your own to stop treatment or change the dates.
Things to consider when undergoing treatment
Your doctor will be monitoring your health closely while you are taking this medication, but it is also important for you to take care of your body.
General discomfort and blood tests
Chemotherapy can affect both cancer cells and healthy cells. It is normal to feel tired and lethargic. However, tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel uncomfortable, until your doctor tells you to stop. You will also need to have regular blood tests to check your blood counts during this time.
Be careful of infections!
When taking this medicine, your body's immunity may be slightly reduced. This means that you are more likely to develop illnesses and infections.
- If you have symptoms of a cold such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough ,
- If you experience pain or burning when urinating,
- If a wound does not heal quickly,
Call your doctor immediately. Don't go out to get medicine alone. Also, avoid crowded places and places with sick people during this time as much as possible.
Be careful of bleeding and bruising.
This medicine may make you more likely to bleed and bruise easily. Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual, such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, small red spots under the skin, or just bruising.
A very rare brain infection
This is a rare and serious condition that doesn't happen very often. But it's important to be aware of it. This medicine can cause a serious infection that affects the brain in some people. If you experience symptoms such as changes in vision, changes in the way you think, difficulty speaking, or difficulty walking or standing, don't ignore it. Tell your medical team right away. If you can't reach them, seek other medical advice quickly.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
You need to be especially careful about this part.
- Pregnant women: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine or within 3 months of taking the last dose, your baby may have serious birth defects. Therefore, you will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. It is important to use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
- Men: If you are taking this treatment, you should avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose. If you have sex during this time, it is essential to use a condom.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding completely while taking this medicine and for 2 months after the last dose.
- Fertility: This medication may affect your ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, discuss it openly with your doctor before starting treatment.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical advice immediately if you experience any problems.
| Side effect/symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Nervous system problems | Dizziness, loss of balance, disorientation, difficulty speaking. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, urinary tract infections. |
| Reactions that occur when medication is given | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Unusual tiredness, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath (decreased red blood cells). |
| Numbness in the limbs | Pain, numbness, or loss of feeling in the hands or feet. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Unexplained bruising, bleeding from the gums or nose. |
| Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased urine output, muscle pain, and heart rhythm irregularities. |
| Symptoms that are not serious but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite. |
| Other | Dizziness, weight loss. |
This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Polatuzumab Vedotin (Polivy) is a drug that treats lymphoma cancer by targeting and destroying cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies.
- While taking this treatment, be very careful about any signs of infection like fever, cough, or unusual bleeding. If you notice any of these, inform your doctor immediately.
- It is essential for both women and men to use a highly reliable method of birth control during treatment and for a specified period of time afterward.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about the treatment or side effects, don't keep them to yourself, but ask your doctor. He or she is always ready to help you.
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