Tildrakizumab vaccine: A treatment for psoriasis

Are you suffering from psoriasis? If so, your doctor may have recommended a vaccine called Tildrakizumab. Its brand name may be ILUMYA. Since this is a relatively new drug, you may have a lot of questions and doubts about it. It is normal to think things like, "Will this cure the disease?", "Will there be any side effects?" So don't worry, today we will talk about this vaccine called Tildrakizumab, how it works, and what to be careful about while taking it, in a very simple way that you can understand.

First, let's see, what is this vaccine called Tildrakizumab?

Simply put, Tildrakizumab is a vaccine that is used to treat psoriasis. This disease causes the skin to become red, scaly, itchy, and painful. This is because the immune system, which protects our body from disease, becomes overactive and starts attacking our own healthy skin cells. It's like our own army attacking our own country.

The Tildrakizumab vaccine works by controlling and calming down a specific part of the immune system that has become overactive. This is a specific type of protein. In medicine, we call these types of drugs ``monoclonal antibodies.'' That means that this drug is very specific, it only affects the part of the immune system that is causing the problem. As a result, the damage to skin cells is reduced and the symptoms of psoriasis are controlled.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment

Before deciding whether to give you this vaccine, your doctor will ask you a few questions. It is very important that you tell them everything about your health without hiding anything . Be sure to tell them these things in particular.

• If you have other immune system weaknesses or diseases: For example, conditions like HIV.
• If you currently have an infection: Even if it's just a cold or flu, tell your doctor . This is because this medicine suppresses your immune system, which can make existing infections worse.
• If you have recently received any vaccine or are scheduled to receive one in the future: Some vaccines are not compatible with this medicine.
• If you have tuberculosis (TB), have ever had it, or have been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis: You will be tested for TB before starting this medicine.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to Tildrakizumab or any other medicine, food, or dye: Be sure to tell your doctor about that as well.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding: You should discuss the use of this medicine with your doctor.

How to use the medicine?

This is not a shot you can take home and give yourself. Tildrakizumab is a subcutaneous injection. It is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse.

Usually, the first dose is given, followed by the second dose four weeks later. After that, the vaccine is usually given every 12 weeks . However, this schedule can be changed by your doctor depending on your medical condition.

The most important thing is not to miss the scheduled days for vaccination. If you cannot come on the scheduled day, call ahead and let the doctor know and reschedule. Getting the vaccination on time is very important for the success of the treatment.

What to do if you overdose?

This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things to be especially careful about when taking medication

There are several things you should pay attention to for your safety when using this medicine.

1. Protect yourself from infections: As we've already talked about, this medicine suppresses the immune system. This can make you more susceptible to infections than usual. This means that things like colds, flu, and coughs can be easily spread.

• Be aware of symptoms: If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches, burning or pain when urinating, or sores that don't heal, don't ignore them. Don't self-medicate, but call your doctor right away.
• Protect yourself: Avoid going to places where people are sick as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

2. Tuberculosis (TB) test: Before starting treatment, you will be tested for tuberculosis. If the test confirms that you have the disease, you will be told to start taking TB medication before starting Tildrakizumab. It is important to take the medication exactly for the prescribed period.

3. Be careful with vaccines: Some vaccines, especially live virus vaccines, should not be given while taking this medicine. Inactivated vaccines may not be as effective as usual. So if you need to get any vaccine, talk to your doctor about it and follow his or her instructions.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, Tildrakizumab can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are common. Let's look at these in a table.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.