Your doctor may have told you to start a new medication. The name may sound a little strange. You may be a little scared or curious about this medication. Don't be afraid of anything. Today we are talking about this special medication that will help control your condition, called Ropeginterferon alfa-2b.
What is Ropeginterferon alfa-2b?
Simply put, this is a synthetic drug that acts like a naturally occurring protein in our body. It is usually given to you to treat a condition called Polycythemia Vera . In this disease, the number of red blood cells in the body increases much more than the required amount. So, this drug controls the production of these cells in an unnecessary way. This drug may be available in the market under the name BESREMi .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This is very important. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor about it before starting this medication.
- Immune system diseases: If you have an autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).
- Bleeding disorders or blood clotting problems: If you have a bleeding disorder or have had blood clots in the past.
- Heart disease: If you have had a heart attack before, have high blood pressure, or have other heart disease.
- Other medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV or AIDS.
- Mental health issues: It is very important to talk about this if you have depression, have had suicidal thoughts, or have attempted suicide.
- Organ transplant: If you have had an organ transplant before.
- Allergies: If you have allergies to this medicine or any other type of interferon, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How do you use this medicine?
This is a subcutaneous injection. It is usually given to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. However, sometimes you may be taught how to give yourself the injection at home. If this is the case, you should follow the instructions exactly as they are given. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Very important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special container (`sharps container`). If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you are given medicine at the hospital, do not skip the day. If you cannot go, call your doctor and tell him/her. If you are taking medicine at home, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses of medicine at once. If you have a problem, call your doctor.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may interact with this medicine. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes medications for other conditions, vitamins, Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines, and dietary supplements, as well as if you smoke or drink alcohol.
The main types of medications that may conflict are:
- Medications that help you sleep or treat anxiety
- Immunosuppressant medicines
- Medicines that reduce the number of blood cells
- Strong painkillers
What are the things to be careful about when taking medication?
There are a few things we need to be a little more careful about when taking this medicine.
Regular medical checkups
Your doctor will need to check on you regularly. So don't miss your appointments. He will also ask you to have blood tests regularly. It may take some time for the results of this medicine to show up.
Take care of your mental health.
This is very important. This medicine can cause mental changes in some people. If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, new or worsening depression, thoughts of harming yourself, excessive anxiety, unusual thoughts, or memory loss, call your doctor right away.
Driving and machinery
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up or sit down suddenly, especially if you are elderly.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine and for 8 weeks after stopping the medicine. It can cause serious harm to the baby. Also, do not breastfeed during this time.
Other risks
- Infections: This medicine may increase the risk of developing infections. If you experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor.
- Teeth and Gums: Problems with teeth and gums can occur. Therefore, brush your teeth thoroughly in the morning and at night, and have regular checkups with a dentist.
- Vision: Your vision can be checked. If you notice any changes in your vision, tell your doctor immediately.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, go to the doctor or ETU immediately. | |
| Allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, dark brown urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, eyes, and unusual bleeding from the gums. |
| Mental changes | Severe anxiety, confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Heart attack or stroke | Severe pain in the chest, neck, or arm, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, numbness on one side of the face or body, and difficulty walking. |
| Liver or kidney damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, change in the amount of urine. |
| Signs of infection | High fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, stomach pain, hair loss, redness or pain at the injection site, changes in menstrual cycle. |
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store in the refrigerator . But never freeze .
- Keep the medicine in the box it came in until you use it.
- Take the vaccine out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before taking it.
- Throw away expired medications. Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of them.
Take-Home Message
- Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a special vaccine given for Polycythemia Vera.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- Be very aware of changes in your mental health. Tell your doctor immediately, even if there is a slight change.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking the pill and for 8 weeks after stopping.
- Be aware of serious side effects (allergies, bleeding, chest pain). If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- Dispose of used needles and syringes safely.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න