Fighting cancer is not easy. The treatments, especially chemotherapy, can be a bit hard on the body. While these treatments can help you get better, they can sometimes cause minor side effects. There are some chemo drugs that can affect your hearing. Especially if the person receiving treatment is a young child, as parents, we are very worried about this. So today we are going to talk about a special medicine that can help prevent these types of hearing problems.
What is Sodium Thiosulfate?
Simply put, Sodium Thiosulfate is a drug that is given as an injection. Its main function is to reduce the risk of hearing loss caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, which is used to treat cancer.
Now you may be wondering, why does this drug called Cisplatin cause hearing loss? Think about it, Cisplatin is a very powerful drug that kills cancer cells. But while it kills cancer cells, it can sometimes damage the very delicate, sensitive cells in our inner ear. In medicine, we call this condition 'ototoxicity' . This damage is what causes hearing to gradually decrease or other hearing disorders to occur.
So, this medicine called sodium thiosulfate acts like a shield, minimizing the damage that the cisplatin medicine does to the delicate cells in the ear. Therefore, it helps to preserve hearing while continuing the cancer treatment without interruption. This medicine can also be used for other medical reasons. You can ask your doctor for more information about it.
The most important things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is essential that you provide the medical team with a complete description of your or the person receiving the treatment's health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
- If you have asthma: If you have asthma, let us know.
- If you are following a low-salt diet: If you have been advised by your doctor to limit your salt intake, please mention this.
- If you have kidney disease: This is very important if you have any impairment in the functioning of your kidneys.
- Allergies: Please disclose any allergies you have to this sodium thiosulfate medication, products containing sulfites, other medications, foods, artificial colors, etc.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon, it is essential to discuss it with your doctor.
- If you are breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, seek advice from your doctor about the use of this medicine.
Providing this information accurately is very important for the success of treatment and your safety.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This medicine is given as an injection into a vein . This is not a medicine you can use at home. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nursing staff.
Can this medicine be given to small children?
Yes, in some special cases, this medicine is given to children as young as one month old . But it is done very carefully and under special medical supervision. If this treatment is given to a child, your doctor will inform you about all the precautions that apply in this regard.
What if the medicine goes into the body too much? (Overdosage)
This is a hospital-based medication, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, sodium thiosulfate injection can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them, it is important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| High sodium level in the body | Confusion, excessive thirst, muscle weakness, feeling unusually tired, muscle twitching. |
| Low potassium level in the body | Muscle pain or soreness, feeling unusually tired, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation. |
| Low red blood cell level | Feeling unusually tired, dizzy, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Nausea | Stomach discomfort, feeling like vomiting. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, please inform your doctor.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important not to miss the dates and times given for this treatment. If for some reason you are unable to go to the hospital or clinic on the scheduled date, call your medical team immediately and let them know. They will advise you on what to do.
Take-Home Message
- Sodium Thiosulfate is a safe injection given to prevent hearing loss caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
- This is given in a hospital or clinic, through a vein. It is not a medicine to take home and keep or use.
- Before starting treatment, give your doctor a complete description of all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any unusual, serious symptoms (especially allergic reactions, excessive thirst, changes in heart rate) while taking the medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
- Never skip the treatment dates given by the doctor. If you have any discomfort, inform him/her in advance and seek advice.
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