Have you or a loved one been prescribed the drug Tazemetostat for a cancer condition? If so, learning about this drug is a very important step in the treatment journey. Sometimes, when you hear about a new drug like this, you may feel a little scared and nervous. That's normal. In this article, we will talk about this drug in a very simple and friendly way.
What kind of medicine is Tazemetostat?
Simply put, Tazemetostat is a drug that targets cancer cells and stops them from growing. Think of cancer cells as unwanted growth in our bodies. What this drug does is it identifies a protein that helps those unwanted growths grow and spread, and it stops it from working. Then those unwanted growths, the cancer cells, can no longer grow.
This medicine is mainly used to treat:
- A type of cancer called Epithelioid Sarcoma .
- Follicular Lymphoma is a type of lymphoma cancer. It belongs to the group of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL).
Your doctor may also prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any questions, talk to your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is essential to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- If you have an allergic reaction to Tazemetostat or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant, or planning to have a baby in the near future. (This is very important!)
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this treatment is suitable for you or not.
How should I use the medicine?
Follow these instructions exactly when using this medicine.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals, but if you feel upset stomach or nausea , it is better to take it with food.
- Do not break, crush, or chew these tablets for any reason. Swallow them whole.
- Important: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication. It can affect the way the medication works.
- Do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
You may be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine by the pharmacy. If you receive it, read it carefully each time.
This medicine is also recommended for young children over 16 years of age in some special cases. However, this decision is made by a pediatrician.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What do you do if you miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, skip it. Take the next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What other interactions may occur with this medicine?
Some medications, foods, and supplements can interact with Tazemetostat, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
| Type of material that can cause collisions | Examples |
|---|---|
| Female hormones | Birth control pills, patches, injections, etc. that contain estrogen and progestin. |
| Antifungal drugs | Fluconazole |
| Beverages | Grapefruit juice |
| Other medications | Midazolam |
| Herbal supplements | St. John's wort |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the other medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as well as if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs .
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular medical monitoring: Your doctor will monitor your condition closely while you are taking this medication. You may also need to have blood tests (blood work) done at regular intervals.
- Other cancer risk: Taking this medicine may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. Don't be afraid of this, but be open about this risk with your doctor.
- Pregnancy and childbirth (very important):
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Men: Avoid fathering children while taking this medication and for 3 months after stopping the medication.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping the medicine.
This advice is given because there is a possibility of serious side effects to the unborn child. Therefore, be very careful about this.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
Like any medicine, Tazemetostat can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if necessary.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black or bloody stools; red or dark brown urine; vomiting blood that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose. |
| Other serious symptoms | Bone pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, fever or chills, sore throat, unusual tiredness or fatigue. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. |
| Other general characteristics | Loss of appetite, muscle pain, general fatigue. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store below 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit).
- Throw away expired medicine.
This information sheet is only a summary. Please do not hesitate to ask your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Tazemetostat tablets exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medicine.
- If you are a woman, avoid getting pregnant while taking the pill and for 6 months after stopping. If you are a man, avoid fathering a child while taking the pill and for 3 months after stopping.
- Seek medical advice immediately if you notice any serious side effects such as unusual bleeding, high fever, or difficulty breathing.
- It is imperative to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
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