Perhaps you or someone you know has been told by your doctor to give you a vaccine called Ravulizumab. You may have thought the name was a bit strange, and wondered, "What kind of medicine is this?" Don't worry. It's very important to be fully informed about any medicine before starting it. So today, let's talk simply about this medicine called Ravulizumab, what it does, and what things we need to pay attention to.
What exactly is Ravulizumab?
Simply put, Ravulizumab is a special vaccine that controls the activity of our body's immune system. It belongs to a class of drugs called ``monoclonal antibodies.'' Imagine that our immune system, which is like our body's defense system, sometimes becomes a little too active and starts attacking our own good cells. At such times, this medicine helps to control that overactivity.
This medicine is mainly used to treat several blood-related conditions.
- Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS): This is a condition in which red blood cells break down and clot, causing anemia and other complications.
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): In this condition, red blood cells also break down.
- Myasthenia Gravis: In this condition, the immune system interferes with the communication between nerves and muscles, causing the muscles to weaken and fatigue quickly.
This medicine works by controlling the overactive immune system, reducing the breakdown of red blood cells, and preventing platelets from clumping together unnecessarily and blocking blood vessels.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health condition. Be sure to mention these things in particular.
- If you have any infections: Tell us about any infections you have, such as fever, cough, or cold. This medicine suppresses your immune system, which can worsen an existing infection.
- If you have allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to Ravulizumab, but to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also inform your doctor about this.
How is this medicine given?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Ravulizumab is given through a vein . It is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or trained nursing staff. This means you have to go to the hospital for it.
Before each treatment session, you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine. It is very important to read and understand it carefully each time.
This medicine is also given to children, under certain special circumstances. It can be given even from the age of one month. However, there are special precautions related to it. Your doctor will explain this to you.
What to do if the medication dose increases?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think something has happened to you, you should immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
What if I miss a dose of medication?
This is a scheduled treatment. Therefore, it is very important not to miss the dates given by your doctor. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, call your doctor or clinic immediately and let them know.
Be aware of these things when using the medicine.
Your doctor will monitor your health regularly while you are taking this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Since your immune system is slightly weakened when you take this medicine, you are more likely to get infections. So you need to be very careful.
If you have a fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or other cold symptoms, do not self-medicate. Call your doctor immediately for advice. Also, avoid going to places where people who are sick are as much as possible during this time. You will also need to have regular blood work.
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with this. For example, medications like `(Efgartigimod)` and `(Immune globulin)`.
Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medications for other illnesses, vitamins, traditional medicines, supplements) . Not only that, but if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal substances, it is also very important for your own safety to tell them without hiding it.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor or treatment unit immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain when urinating, and body discomfort. |
| Infusion reactions | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, feeling dizzy. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual or different, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Ravulizumab is a special vaccine that controls the overactivity of the immune system and treats conditions such as aHUS, PNH, and Myasthenia Gravis.
- This medicine is given through a vein in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about any other illnesses, infections, allergies, and all medications you are taking.
- There is an increased risk of infection while taking this medicine. If you develop symptoms such as fever and cough, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be very careful about severe symptoms such as allergic reactions and difficulty breathing when administering the medicine.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you have. Don't be afraid or hide information.
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