Are you also suffering from psoriasis, a condition in which the skin becomes red, flaky, and itchy in places? Only those who suffer from it know how annoying and distressing this condition can be. So, Tildrakizumab is a new, advanced drug used to treat this skin condition. It is often given as an injection. Today, let's talk about this drug, what it does, and what things to be careful about.
What is Tildrakizumab?
Simply put, Tildrakizumab is not a medicine like a regular pill or capsule. It is a specific antibody (monoclonal antibody) . In our medical science, it is known by the brand name ILUMYA.
Think about it, our body has an army that protects us from diseases, and that's our immune system. But in situations like psoriasis, this army becomes a little too active and starts attacking our own skin cells. That's why the skin turns red and starts peeling.
The Tildrakizumab vaccine works by controlling the activity of a specific part of the immune system that is overactive. That is, it goes to the root cause of the rash and affects it . This controls the symptoms that occur on the skin.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
This is very important. Before starting treatment with Tildrakizumab, you should discuss your complete health history with your doctor. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- Current infections: Tell your doctor if you have any infections, such as fever, cough, cold, or urinary tract infection, as this medicine may slightly reduce the body's ability to fight disease.
- Weaknesses in the immune system: If you have any other disease that affects the immune system, inform us about it.
- Tuberculosis (TB): If you have had tuberculosis before, have been in close contact with a TB patient, or have had a positive TB skin test, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- Vaccines: If you have recently received any vaccinations, or are planning to receive any in the future, tell your doctor about it.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to this medicine, but to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely discuss this with your doctor before starting this treatment.
How to give the vaccine and what to watch out for
This is not a vaccine that you can take home and inject. Tildrakizumab is given as a subcutaneous injection . This is done in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse.
Before each injection, you will be given a special leaflet (MedGuide) that contains information about the medicine. Read it carefully and ask the doctor any questions you may have.
If you are giving this medicine to children, special care is needed. Talk to your pediatrician about this.
If you suspect that you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of the vaccine?
If you miss your scheduled vaccination date, don't panic. Call your doctor as soon as possible and ask about the next scheduled date. Never make a decision on your own and go get two doses at once.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When taking Tildrakizumab, you should also be careful about the other medications you are taking.
| Type of conflicting medication/vaccine | What to know |
|---|---|
| Live virus vaccines | You should avoid receiving live virus vaccines such as polio, measles, and mumps while taking this treatment. Ask your doctor about this. |
| Inactivated vaccines | Inactivated vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, are available. However, Tildrakizumab may reduce the effectiveness of these vaccines. Therefore, always consult your doctor before getting vaccinated. |
In addition to this list, don't forget to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or even traditional medicines you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Tildrakizumab can cause some side effects. Some of these should be reported immediately, while others are usually not dangerous.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Serious Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of Infection | Fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, pain or burning when urinating. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach discomfort | Bloating (diarrhea). |
| Discomfort at the injection site | Pain, redness, or slight swelling at the injection site. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Tildrakizumab is a special vaccine for psoriasis that affects the immune system. It is only given in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor your complete health history, especially about infections, tuberculosis (TB), and other medications you are taking.
- There is a slightly higher risk of infection while taking this medicine. So be aware of symptoms like fever and cough. If you experience any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- Get the vaccine on time. If you miss a dose, seek medical advice. Never double the dose.
- If you experience serious allergic symptoms such as skin rash or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
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