It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you find out that you or a loved one is going to start treatment for cancer. It can be a bit confusing when you think about new medications, their names, and how they work. But don't worry. Being well-informed about your treatment is the biggest strength you can have in this journey. Today we're talking about one such powerful anti-cancer drug, Tremelimumab. Let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is this medicine called Tremelimumab (IMJUDO)?
Simply put, Tremelimumab is a special drug used to treat certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer and lung cancer. It is marketed under the name IMJUDO .
This is not a typical chemotherapy drug. This is a drug in a special class called a `monoclonal antibody.` Think of it as a special weapon that trains our body's defenses (our immune system) to fight only against a specific enemy, namely cancer cells. Cancer cells sometimes hide from our immune system. This drug blocks a protein that helps cancer cells grow and spread. When it does this, our own immune system is able to recognize and attack cancer cells. In this way, this drug helps to control or stop the spread of cancer cells.
What should I tell the doctor before starting this medication?
Before starting this treatment with your doctor, it is very important to give a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Autoimmune diseases: For example, diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis , or lupus.
- Diabetes
- Addison's disease or other hormonal gland problems.
- Thyroid disease
- Lung-related diseases
- Nervous system diseases: For example, myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Stomach or intestinal problems: For example, colitis.
- If you have an allergy to Tremelimumab or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
This information is very important for your safety, so talk to your doctor without hiding anything.
How can I give you this medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection into a vein . This is not something you can do at home. It is given to you by trained medical staff in a hospital or clinic.
Before each treatment, you will be given a special information leaflet (`MedGuide`) about this medicine. Always read the information in it carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse.
Important: 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.
This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take your medication on time during this treatment. If you are unable to go to the hospital on your scheduled date, call your medical team immediately and let them know.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
It is normal to experience some discomfort when taking such a powerful treatment. This is because these drugs can affect cancer cells as well as some healthy cells. Therefore, inform your medical team about any side effects that you experience. Continue to take your treatment as prescribed, even if you are experiencing discomfort, until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Severe skin reactions: Severe skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever or chills, red or purple blisters, blistering, or peeling skin. Also, if you develop red patches on your skin along with swelling of your face, lips, or neck or armpits.
- Pregnancy and lactation:
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order various blood tests to monitor your health during treatment.
- Tremelimumab is a powerful drug that stimulates your own immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Do not miss scheduled treatment appointments. If for some reason you are unable to attend, notify the hospital immediately.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as severe skin reactions, difficulty breathing, or severe stomach pain.
- It is imperative to use a highly reliable method of birth control and to refrain from breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 months after stopping.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. Remember that you are not alone.
If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in your baby if taken during pregnancy. You should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment to make sure you are not pregnant. You must use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after stopping treatment. Also, avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 months after stopping treatment.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. Some are minor, while others require immediate attention. The table below clearly outlines these.
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Lung-related problems | Unexplained dry cough, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart muscle inflammation | Unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, red or dark brown urine, foamy urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Problems with the hormonal glands | Excessive thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism): Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating, tremors, restlessness. Decreased thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism): Unusual fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, depression. |
| Severe stomach pain | Severe stomach pain (especially in the back), fever, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), fever and swelling of the gums. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the medical team if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Minor side effects | Diarrhea, Fatigue, Muscle pain, Bone pain, Stomach pain. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. In addition, if you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
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