A sudden poisoning is something none of us like to think about. Also, we are very afraid of the side effects that occur when we are being treated for a serious disease like cancer. So, today we are talking about a special medicine that can be a lifesaver in both cases, but is not very well known. This is a vaccine called Sodium Thiosulfate.
Simply put, what is sodium thiosulfate?
This is a medicine that is used in two very specific situations. This is not something you can buy at a pharmacy. This is a medicine that is only given in a hospital, under medical supervision.
1. As an Antidote for Cyanide Poisoning: Cyanide is a very severe and fast-acting poison. If someone gets cyanide poisoning, it is a fight between life and death. In such an emergency, sodium thiosulfate is the main antidote that can be given to eliminate the poison. Therefore, any poisoning is an emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. Never try to treat it at home alone.
2. To protect the kidneys during cancer treatment: Powerful chemotherapy drugs used for some types of cancer, for example, drugs like Cisplatin, can damage healthy organs in our body, especially the kidneys, while destroying cancer cells. Think of this drug as a protective shield for the kidneys. Sodium thiosulfate helps prevent or reduce the damage that drugs like Cisplatin can cause to the kidneys.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before deciding to give you this medicine, your doctor will ask you a few questions. It is very important for your safety that you tell the truth without hiding anything.
- About your allergies: If you have any allergies, not only to sodium thiosulfate, but also to any other medicine, food, or preservative, be sure to mention it.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Some medications are not suitable during pregnancy, so it is important to inform your doctor about this.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medications can pass into your baby's body through breast milk, so it's important to talk to your baby about this as well.
How can I give you this medicine?
We've said before that this is not a medicine to take home.
This medicine is given into the body as an injection into a vein or through a saline infusion . This is done only by a doctor or trained nurse in a medical facility such as a hospital or clinic.
If using this medicine on a child, it is very important to talk to the pediatrician about it and follow his or her instructions.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is given in a hospital, the dose is determined and administered by the medical team. So there is almost no risk of overdose. However, if we think about a case like cyanide poisoning, which we talked about earlier, that is also a type of "overdose" situation.
In case of any such poisoning or accidental ingestion of a medicine, the immediate action is to go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital to get accurate information and advice regarding poisoning.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
As with any medication, this may cause side effects in some people. But don't worry, you are under medical supervision, and they are ready to treat anything quickly if it happens.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Notify the doctor or nurse immediately. | |
| Allergic Reactions | If you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching, redness, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, tell your doctor immediately. |
| Low Blood Pressure | If you experience dizziness , lightheadedness, or blue eyes, please report it. |
| Usually not serious, but if it persists, tell me. | |
| Headache | You may experience a headache during or after taking the medicine. If it persists or is severe, tell your doctor. |
This list only includes some of the most common side effects. In addition, if you experience any unusual or different symptoms, do not hesitate to tell your doctor or nurse.
Will there be problems with other medications?
This medicine generally has few interactions with other medications. However, don't hide information about anything you're taking just because it's the case.
Give your doctor a list of all other medications, vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking. Some things can interact with each other in unexpected ways. This is important to ensure your safety.
Take-Home Message
- Sodium Thiosulfate is a specialized drug used to protect the kidneys in emergencies such as cyanide poisoning and during some cancer treatments.
- This is an injection given intravenously, and it is only given under medical supervision in a hospital or clinic. It is not a medicine to take home and use.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all your allergies, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling) or severe dizziness while taking the medicine, notify the medical staff immediately.
- Any poisoning is a medical emergency. In such cases, immediately go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
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