Do you also have persistent diarrhea that is difficult to control with regular medications? Having to go to the bathroom several times a day, having stomach discomfort, and not being able to do your daily activities is very stressful. Sometimes this condition is caused by a special type of tumor that develops in our body. In medical terms, we call these 'carcinoid tumors'. In this article, we will talk about a special drug that is given to control diarrhea caused by these tumors.
Simply put, what is Telotristat Ethyl?
Think of these carcinoid tumors in your body as a little factory. This factory produces more of a chemical called serotonin than is needed. This excess serotonin is what speeds up the activity of our intestines, leading to frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.
So, this medicine called Telotristat Ethyl (brand name: Xermelo) does a little bit of control over that factory production process. Specifically, it reduces the production of serotonin. This reduces the unnecessary rapid activity of the intestines, and controls your diarrhea and other symptoms associated with it. This is not a medicine for general diarrhea, but a medicine prescribed by a doctor for this specific condition.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor should take a complete medical history of you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Constipation or difficulty passing stool: If you already have dry, hard stools or difficulty passing stool, you should tell your doctor about it, as this medicine can sometimes cause constipation.
- Other stomach or intestinal problems: Tell us if you have had previous intestinal surgery or other medical conditions.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not yet been fully established. Therefore, if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, it is very important to talk to your doctor about it.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is not clear whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Therefore, if you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor.
- Allergies to other medicines, foods, or dyes: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Telotristat Ethyl or any other ingredients.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to take the correct dosage, at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Swallow this medicine with a glass of water .
- The most important thing is that this pill should always be taken with a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- Take the medicine according to the time interval prescribed by the doctor. For example, if prescribed three times a day, taking it about every 8 hours will maintain the same level of effectiveness.
- Do not stop taking the medicine for any reason without medical advice. Continue to take the medicine for the full prescribed period, even if your symptoms improve.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, Telotristat Ethyl can interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal products).
| Drug Category | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | Medicines like Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin. |
| Antiretroviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | These may affect their performance. |
| Medication for mental illness, depression, or anxiety | This includes various mental health medications. |
| Medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease | Be especially careful with medications that affect heart rhythm. |
| Medicines for stomach diseases such as gastritis | Drugs like Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Famotidine. |
| Other medications | Antifungals (Ketoconazole), anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine), steroids (Prednisone), painkillers (Opioids), and hormones (Estrogen/Progestin). |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
What are the side effects?
Like all medicines, Telotristat Ethyl can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (difficulty breathing). |
| Severe stomach pain | Excruciating pain that is worse than a normal stomach ache. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation | Sometimes constipation can occur as diarrhea is treated. |
| Flatulence/Gas | It may be caused by changes in the digestive system. |
| Headache | Slight headache may occur. |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Swelling of hands, feet, and ankles | It can occur due to fluid retention in the body. |
How should you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Telotristat Ethyl (Xermelo) is a specific medication used to treat diarrhea caused by carcinoid tumors.
- This medicine should always be taken with a meal .
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or severe stomach pain.
- Do not stop using the medicine without your doctor's advice.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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