When your doctor tells you about the Tisotumab Vedotin vaccine while you're being treated for cervical cancer , you may have a lot of questions on your mind. It's normal to think things like, "What is this medicine?", "What will happen to it?", "Will it hurt me?" So, let's talk about this medicine, how it works, and what you need to be aware of in a simple, understandable way.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Tisotumab Vedotin is a targeted therapy that fights cervical cancer cells . It’s like a missile that goes straight to the target. That is, the drug goes directly to cancer cells and disables a special protein that helps them grow, divide, and spread. The cancer cells’ ability to grow is then either stopped or largely controlled. This drug is commonly marketed under the brand name Tivdak .
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
It is very important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health before starting this treatment. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Bleeding disorder | This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Eye disease or vision impairment | This information is very important because this medicine can severely affect the eyes. |
| Liver disease | Because the liver affects the process of removing medication from the body. |
| Lung disease | Sometimes breathing difficulties may occur. |
| Numbness or nerve damage in the limbs | This medicine can affect the nerves. |
| Allergy to other medicines, foods or substances | Assess the risk of an allergic reaction to the medication. |
| If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant/are pregnant | This medicine is very harmful to the baby in the womb. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is given as an intravenous infusion. You cannot take it at home. It is given to you by a doctor or a trained nurse, either in a hospital or at a cancer treatment clinic.
Before each treatment session, you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine. It is important to read and understand it carefully each time.
Imagine that you have taken more of this medicine than you should. If this happens, you should immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take this medicine on the scheduled days and at the scheduled times. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled treatment, call your doctor or the treatment unit immediately. They will tell you what to do next.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
While undergoing this treatment, you should pay close attention to changes in your body .
General discomfort and side effects
During chemotherapy, it is normal to feel tired and achy because it affects both cancer cells and healthy cells in the body. However, if you experience any side effects, tell your doctor. Continue treatment, even if it is uncomfortable, until your doctor tells you to stop.
Possible effects on the eyes (this is very important!)
Tisotumab Vedotin can cause serious eye damage, so special care should be taken with this.
- If you experience any changes in your vision ( blurred vision , eye pain , redness, or tearing), tell your doctor immediately.
- Your vision will be checked before and during treatment.
- Your doctor will tell you to use 3 special eye drops . You should bring those eye drops with you every time you come for treatment. Use them exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment unless specifically instructed to do so by your eye doctor.
Risk of infection
This medicine can lower your body's immunity, which means you're more likely to get sick and get infections.
- If you develop symptoms of a cold, such as fever, chills, and a sore throat , do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor.
- Try to stay as far away from people who are sick as possible.
Risk of bleeding
This medicine may increase the risk of bruising, scratches, and bleeding. If you experience frequent nosebleeds, blood in your stool (black stools), or unusual bruising, tell your doctor right away.
Possible severe skin reactions
Severe skin reactions can sometimes occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you experience a fever, redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, it could be a serious condition. In such cases, seek medical advice immediately.
About pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
- During pregnancy: You must use a form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. The medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. You should use a form of birth control for 2 months after stopping treatment.
- For men: If your partner is of childbearing potential, it is essential to use a condom during sexual intercourse while you are taking this treatment and for 4 months after stopping treatment.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 3 weeks after stopping treatment.
- Fertility: This medicine may affect your ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects. Some of them should be reported immediately, while others are usually not serious.
| Side effect/symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding | Black stools, vomiting blood, red/dark brown urine, frequent nosebleeds. |
| Eye problems | Eye pain, redness, blurred or decreased vision, and excessive tearing. |
| Neurological disorders | Pain, numbness, or burning in the limbs. |
| Severe skin reactions | Fever, accompanied by red spots, blisters, and peeling skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Breathing difficulties | Dry cough, difficulty breathing for no reason. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach ache | Diarrhea. |
| Dry eyes | Feeling of dryness in the eyes. |
| Body tired | Fatigue even after doing a small task. |
| Hair loss | Hair loss. |
| Nausea | Nausea. |
Take-Home Message
- Tisotumab Vedotin is a targeted treatment for cervical cancer. It is an injection given into a vein in a hospital.
- This medicine can cause serious eye damage. Therefore, use the eye drops exactly as prescribed by your doctor and report any changes in your vision immediately.
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have.
- Watch for signs of infection (fever), unusual bleeding, and severe skin symptoms.
- Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and until your doctor tells you to.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or doubts you have.
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