When your doctor tells you or someone you know to take Rituximab; Hyaluronidase as a treatment for cancer, you may feel a little scared and nervous. It's normal to wonder what kind of medicine this is, what it will do to your body, and how difficult it will be. So don't be scared. Today, we'll talk about this medicine, how it works, what you need to know, and its side effects in a simple, understandable way.
What is this medicine? What kind of illnesses is it used for?
Simply put, Rituximab; Hyaluronidase is a combination of two drugs that is used to treat several types of cancer. It is mainly used to treat the cancer conditions Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia .
The main drug in this is Rituximab . This is a very special drug. In medicine, we call this a ``monoclonal antibody''. That means, this drug is designed to directly find cancer cells, attack them, and destroy them, like a specially trained soldier. This causes very little damage to healthy cells.
Then, the other drug called Hyaluronidase helps the main drug, Rituximab, be better absorbed by your body and make it easier for it to reach the cancer cells.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
To safely administer this treatment to you, it is essential that your doctor is aware of your complete health history. If you have any of the conditions listed below, please tell your doctor before starting treatment.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or heart rhythm irregularities | Because this medicine can sometimes affect heart function. |
| Current infectious conditions (especially viral infections such as Hepatitis B, chickenpox, herpes) | When the body's immunity is weakened by the medication, old infections can resurface. |
| Immune system weaknesses | Because this medicine affects the immune system, it is important to be aware of any existing weaknesses. |
| Kidney or lung diseases (such as asthma) | To take care of the functioning of these organs. |
| If you have recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one in the future | Some vaccines may interact with this treatment. |
| Allergies to various medications, foods, or other things | To assess the risk of developing an allergic reaction to the medicine. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is extremely important because this medicine can be harmful to the baby in the womb and to the baby through breast milk. |
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin. You cannot get this at home. It is given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
Before each treatment session, you will be given a special leaflet (`MedGuide`) with details about this medicine. It is very important to always read and understand it carefully.
Special care is required when giving this medication to children. Therefore, if your child has been prescribed this treatment, discuss it thoroughly with your pediatrician.
What to do if you overdose?
This medicine is given under the supervision of a doctor or nurse, so the chances of this happening are usually very low. However, if you think something has happened, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to consider when undergoing treatment
Your doctor will monitor your condition closely throughout your treatment. During this time, you will also need to have regular blood tests to see how the medicine is affecting your body and whether there are any changes in your blood cells.
Severe allergic reactions
This medicine can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. To reduce this risk, your doctor may decide to give you other medicines (such as piritan) before you receive this vaccine. Take these medicines exactly as prescribed.
Possible effects on the brain
This is a very rare occurrence, but it is important to be aware of it. In some patients, this medicine has caused a serious brain infection, which can even lead to death. So if you experience any changes or difficulty in your vision, thinking, speaking, walking, or balance , tell your doctor right away .
Be careful about infections.
This medicine lowers your body's ability to resist disease, or immunity, slightly. Therefore, you are more likely to develop infections.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor.
- Try to stay as far away from people who are sick as possible.
Special advice about pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is a very important matter.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this treatment and for 12 months after stopping treatment.
- If you are expecting to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 6 months after stopping.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can have side effects. But not all of them happen to everyone. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
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| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
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If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Rituximab; Hyaluronidase is a specific treatment that targets and destroys cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- During treatment, be vigilant for signs of infection, allergies, or nervous system changes (difficulty speaking, walking).
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding during and for a specified period of time during treatment.
- Do not miss your scheduled clinic dates. If you are unable to attend due to some inconvenience, please inform the hospital in advance.
- Remember, you have the right to talk openly with your doctor about any questions or fears you have.
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