It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when you or someone close to you is told about a new treatment for cancer. Especially when you hear a new name like Teclistamab, you may be wondering, "What is this drug? What will happen with this?" Don't worry. In this article, we will talk about this Teclistamab vaccine in a simple way, as if you were talking to a friend.
What is Teclistamab? How does it work?
Simply put, Teclistamab is a new, advanced drug used to treat a type of cancer called Multiple Myeloma. It is given as an injection.
Now let's see what Multiple Myeloma is. This is a cancer that occurs in a type of cell called plasma cells in our bone marrow. These cancer cells start to grow uncontrollably.
Teclistamab does not work like traditional chemotherapy drugs. It works in a very special way. Think about it, our immune system, which is like a security guard in our body, sometimes fails to recognize cancer cells. Cancer cells are cleverly hidden. The Teclistamab vaccine works by connecting special soldiers of our immune system called T-cells to these hidden cancer cells and showing them the target, "Here is the enemy, attack." That is, this drug blocks a protein that helps cancer cells grow, and helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to have a completely open conversation with your doctor. It is essential for your safety. Be sure to tell your doctor about the following things:
- Current Infections: Tell us if you currently have any infections, such as fever, cough, cold, or sore throat.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Teclistamab, any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives you have used in the past.
- Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are currently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or have any suspicion that you may be pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby, you should definitely mention that as well.
The medical team will use this information to plan your treatment safely, so don't hide anything.
How do you administer the medicine? What if there is a problem?
This medicine is not something you can take home. It is an injection that is injected under the skin. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse who has been trained in this. So there is nothing to be afraid of.
- MedGuide: Before each treatment session, you will be given a special information leaflet (`MedGuide`) about this medicine. Read it carefully each time. Don't be shy to ask if there is anything you don't understand.
- If you miss a dose: It is very important to take your treatment on the days that you are scheduled to take it. If for some reason you are unable to come on time, call your healthcare team as soon as possible.
- If you overdose: Since this is given in a hospital, the chances of an overdose are very low. However, if you think you have been exposed to something like this, immediately inform the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) .
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
You need to pay a little more attention to your body while undergoing this treatment.
Constant medical supervision
While you are taking this medicine, your medical team will monitor you closely. You may also need to have regular blood tests (bloodwork) to see how the medicine is affecting your body.
Risk of infection
Because this medicine affects the immune system, you may be slightly more likely to develop other infections. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, or sore throat , do not self-medicate. Call your doctor immediately for advice. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
Bleeding and bruising
Some people may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising easily while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, frequent nosebleeds, or unexplained bruising.
Driving and work requiring attention
This is very important. This medication can affect your balance, reaction time, and decision-making ability . Therefore, you should definitely avoid activities that require a lot of attention, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Preventing pregnancy: This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to use effective birth control during treatment and for 5 months after stopping treatment . Talk to your doctor about this and choose the most appropriate method.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding completely while taking this treatment and for 5 months after stopping treatment.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Teclistamab can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. It is important to be aware of the following information. Let's look at this in a table to help you understand it more clearly.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
If you experience these symptoms, notify your medical team immediately. | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) | Fever, chills, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, rapid or irregular heartbeat (this is a strong immune system response). |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, pain during urination, and body discomfort. |
| Liver Injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and extreme fatigue. |
| Anemia | Unusual tiredness, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Nervous system problems | Pain in the limbs, numbness, weakness, muscle weakness, vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, tremors, seizures. |
| Unusual bleeding/bruising | Bruising of the skin for no reason or bleeding that won't stop. |
These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Other minor ailments | Diarrhea, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle pain, Nausea, Pain, redness or itching at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Teclistamab is an advanced vaccine treatment for multiple myeloma that targets the immune system. It is only given in a hospital setting.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor the whole truth about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- The risk of infection is high during treatment. If you develop symptoms such as fever and cough, seek medical advice immediately. Do not self-medicate.
- Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
- It is imperative to use a highly effective method of birth control during treatment and for 5 months after stopping.
- Report any side effects you experience, no matter how minor, to your medical team. They are there to help you.
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