We all know that getting cancer treatment is not an easy journey. During that journey, you have to use different types of medicines. Trabectedin is a powerful injection that is given especially for a type of cancer called 'Sarcoma'. You may have many questions in your mind about this medicine. That is normal. So today, in this article, we will talk about this medicine, what happens with it, and what we should be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Trabectedin?
Simply put, trabectedin is a drug that kills cancer cells . To be precise, it is part of a chemotherapy regimen. Its main function is to stop the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body and destroy them. This drug is most commonly found under the brand name Yondelis.
This medicine is given to you as an infusion into a vein. This is not something you can do at home. It is given to you by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic . Also, before each treatment, you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine. It is very important to read and understand it carefully each time.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this medication, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have them:
| Your situation | Why do you need to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | This medicine can sometimes affect heart function. |
| Kidney disease | The kidneys are the body's way of filtering waste products. If you have kidney problems, the side effects of the medication may increase. |
| Liver disease | The liver plays a major role in removing this medication from the body. If there is a problem with the liver, the effects of the medication may be increased unnecessarily. |
| Low blood counts | If your red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets are already low, this medicine may make the condition worse. |
| Muscle pain or weakness | Since this medication can affect the muscles, the doctor should be aware of any existing problems. |
| Trying to get pregnant or being pregnant | This medicine can be very harmful to the unborn baby, so be sure to tell them about it. |
| Breastfeeding | The ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. This is harmful to the baby. |
| Allergies to other medications or foods | Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. |
Special points to be considered when using the medicine
Pregnancy and birth control
This is a very important matter.
- For women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping treatment.
- For men: Use a highly reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.
This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding completely while taking this treatment.
Protection from infections
This medicine weakens your body's immune system, which means you're more likely to get sick.
- Stay away from people with colds and flu.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or a sore throat , do not take medicine like paracetamol on your own. Call your doctor immediately.
- Be careful when brushing your teeth and using toothpicks. Bleeding gums and infections are more likely to occur. If you are undergoing any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Interactions with other drugs and foods
Trabectedin may interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) . Be especially careful about the following:
- Painkillers: Do not take medications like aspirin and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. These can suppress the fever and make it difficult to detect an infection.
- Medicines for HIV or AIDS
- Some antibiotics: For example, clarithromycin, telithromycin.
- Antifungals: Medications like ketoconazole and itraconazole.
- Medications for epilepsy: such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.
- St. John's Wort is an herbal product.
- Grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as it may change the effects of the medication.
What side effects are possible?
Like any anticancer drug, Trabectedin can cause side effects. This is because this drug affects both cancer cells and healthy cells to some extent. The most important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and inform your doctor when necessary.
| Side effect/symptom | What should you do? |
|---|---|
| These can be serious: tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Symptoms of liver damage: yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the right side of the stomach, loss of appetite. | These are serious symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| Symptoms of muscle damage: dark urine, difficulty urinating, severe muscle pain. | Tell the doctor immediately. |
| Signs of bleeding: small red spots under the skin, bruising, black stools, and blood in the urine. | Tell the doctor immediately. |
| Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat. | Tell the doctor immediately. |
| Difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of the legs/hands/ankles. | Tell the doctor immediately. |
| Things you should tell your doctor if they are common but persist | |
| Nausea, vomiting | You can ask your doctor for medication to control these. |
| Constipation, headache, loss of appetite | If these persist, tell your doctor. |
| Excessive fatigue, insomnia | These can be part of the treatment, but if they are too much to bear, talk to your doctor. |
If you think you have taken too much of this 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.
It's normal to feel sick or uncomfortable during treatment. But don't stop treatment unless your doctor tells you to. Talk to him/her openly about any concerns you may have.
Take-Home Message
- Trabectedin is a powerful drug used to treat a type of cancer called sarcoma. It is given in a hospital under medical supervision.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely while taking this medicine. Use reliable birth control.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as fever, bruising, or yellowing of the skin, inform your doctor without delay.
- It's normal to feel discomfort during treatment. But never decide to stop treatment on your own. Always talk to your doctor.
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