You may have been prescribed a shot called sodium stibogluconate by your doctor as a treatment for a parasite infection. The name is a bit complicated, so you may have a lot of questions about it. You may be wondering things like, "What is this medicine?", "What will happen with this?", "Should I be worried?" It's very normal. Don't worry, today we'll talk very simply and friendly about what this medicine is for, what it does, and what we need to be aware of.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, Sodium Stibogluconate is an anti-parasitic drug . Medically speaking, it is an ``antiprotozoan agent''. This drug is used to suppress and destroy some harmful, invisible parasites that enter our bodies.
This vaccine is commonly used to treat parasitic infections such as "Leishmaniasis" that we see among us in Sri Lanka.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works on parasitic infections. It will not cure any viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough that you get.
The most important things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is essential to tell your doctor this information. This is very important for your safety. Do not hide even the smallest thing, as it may affect your treatment.
- If you have previously had an irregular heartbeat or other heart condition.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have an allergy to this sodium stibogluconate medicine or any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby in the near future .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Talking about these things clearly with your doctor will go a long way in helping you receive safe and successful treatment.
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is usually given as an injection . It is given into a vein (intravenous) or into a muscle. Most often, this treatment is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional.
However, in some special cases, you may need to receive this vaccine at home on the advice of your doctor. If so, you will be taught clearly how to prepare and inject it correctly. Never use it in a different way than the doctor tells you. It is very important to take the medicine at the right time, according to the prescribed interval.
When giving this medicine to children
Children may require special care when giving this medicine. Therefore, if your child has been prescribed this treatment, discuss this carefully with your pediatrician and seek advice.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medicine, do not waste time and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It can be dangerous to give this medicine to someone else without medical advice, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
Taking the correct dose of this medicine at the correct time is very important for the success of the treatment. If you are unable to go to the hospital/clinic on time, call your doctor and tell him/her. If you are taking the medicine at home, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the correct time. Never take a double dose. If you are in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (medicines for other diseases, vitamins, traditional medicines, dietary supplements). Because some medications can interact with this one. Also, tell your doctor honestly if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal substances.
| Drug type | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take Sodium Stibogluconate with these medications. | |
| Cisapride | A medicine given for digestive system problems. |
| Dronedarone | A medication for heart rhythm disorders. |
| Pimozide | A medicine for mental illness. |
| Thioridazine | A medicine for mental illness. |
| Problems can also occur with these medications - inform the doctor | |
| Amphotericin B | A medicine given for severe fungal infections. |
| Other medicines that affect the heart rhythm (medicines that prolong the QT interval) | This is why it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. |
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. It is important to be aware of the following:
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Chest pain | Pressure or pain in the heart. |
| Symptoms of a dangerous change in heart rate | Chest pain, dizziness, feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, feeling like you might pass out, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, and feeling lethargic. |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Cough, upset stomach, headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, pain or redness at the injection site. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about that as well.
How to store medicine?
It is very important to keep this medicine out of the reach of children . If you are using this medicine at home, you will be given clear instructions on how to store it (e.g., should it be refrigerated or kept at room temperature). Follow those instructions. Never use expired medicine and dispose of it properly.
Take-Home Message
- Sodium Stibogluconate is a vaccine for parasitic infections. It does not work for viral infections like the common cold.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially heart, kidney, and liver disease) and all medications you are taking.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Center.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or yellowing of the skin.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Don't be afraid to ask the doctor any questions you have.
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