We know that getting treated for cervical cancer is not easy. You may have to use different medications during this journey. Your doctor may have told you to start a shot called Tisotumab Vedotin (brand name: Tivdak). It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when you hear about a new medication. So today, let's talk about this medication, what it does, and what we need to be aware of.
What kind of medicine is Tisotumab Vedotin?
Simply put, this is a very advanced, targeted treatment method. It has two main parts.
1. Monoclonal Antibody: This is like a streetcar. This special protein can find and attach to cancer cells in your body.
2. Chemotherapy: This is the destructive drug that goes with that person. After that antibody attaches to the cancer cell, this chemo drug goes directly into the cancer cell and destroys it.
The specialty of this method is that it precisely targets cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. This is a treatment specifically used for cervical cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
For your safety and the success of your treatment, you should definitely share this information with your doctor.
- Other illnesses you have:
- Do you have a bleeding disorder?
- Do you have any eye disease or vision impairment?
- Do you have any liver or lung disease?
- Do you have numbness in your limbs or another nerve disorder?
- Allergies:
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, Tisotumab Vedotin, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- This is extremely important if you are currently pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Be sure to tell your doctor about this.
How this medicine is given to you and what to watch out for
This medicine is given as an injection into a vein . You cannot take it at home. This treatment is given by trained health care staff in a hospital or cancer clinic.
Before each treatment session, you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine. Remember to read it carefully each time.
What if I get too much medicine?
This is administered under controlled conditions in the hospital, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of the medicine, 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 if I miss a dose of medication?
Be sure to attend your scheduled appointments. If for some reason you are unable to attend, do not panic, call your doctor or clinic immediately to let them know and ask for advice on the next available date.
Things you should be especially careful about during treatment
There are several things we need to be aware of when taking this medicine.
1. Eye health is number one!
One of the main and most serious side effects of this medication is the possibility of eye damage , so you need to be very careful about this.
- Vision changes: If your vision seems blurry, your eyes feel dry, or your eyes hurt, tell your doctor immediately .
- Eye exams: Your eyes will be checked before and during treatment.
- Three Eye Drops: The doctor will prescribe three types of eye drops for you. You must bring these three eye drops with you when you come to the hospital for each appointment . The doctor will tell you exactly how to use them.
- Do not wear contact lenses: Unless specifically instructed by your eye doctor, do not wear contact lenses during this treatment.
2. About pregnancy and children
This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping treatment.
- Men: If you are a man, avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping treatment.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking the medication and for 3 weeks after stopping.
3. Risk of infection and bleeding
Chemotherapy may slightly weaken the body's immune system.
- Infections: If you develop symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor. Try to stay away from places where sick people are.
- Bleeding: This medicine may cause easy bruising and bleeding. If you experience any bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or blood in your stool/urine, tell your doctor immediately.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if something happens.
| Tisotumab Vedotin side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose. |
| Symptoms of blood clots | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg pain, swelling, or warmth. |
| Eye problems | Blurred vision, vision changes, dry eyes, eye pain. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, coughing, pain or numbness in the limbs, difficulty urinating. |
| 🙂 Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system | Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite. |
| Other | Hair loss, excessive tiredness or fatigue. |
Remember, chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, so it's normal to feel a little uncomfortable and lethargic. But continue taking your treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
Take-Home Message
- Tisotumab Vedotin is an advanced treatment that targets and destroys cervical cancer cells.
- Eye health is extremely important! Bring your three types of eye drops with you to every appointment. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your vision. Do not wear contact lenses.
- Avoid pregnancy completely during treatment and for a specified period of time afterwards (2 months for women, 4 months for men).
- If you notice signs of infection such as fever and chills, or unusual bleeding or bruising, seek medical advice immediately.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications or vitamins you are taking. Do not skip any treatment appointments that have been prescribed for you.
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