We know that fighting cancer is not easy. During this journey, you will hear about various treatments and medications. One such treatment, Ziv-Aflibercept, is a special treatment that is given with other medications for certain types of cancer, especially those that occur in the colon. The name may sound a bit complicated. But don't worry. Today, we will talk about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about in a very simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what kind of medicine is this?
Ziv-Aflibercept is an anti-cancer treatment, which is a type of chemotherapy. But it works a little differently. Think of cancer cells as weeds. These weeds need nourishment, which is a blood supply, to grow. What this drug does is stop the cancer cells from growing new blood vessels and cut off the nourishment they get. It's like stopping watering the weeds. Then the cancer cells can't grow, or their growth is greatly controlled. It's usually used in combination with other treatments for colon cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
It is extremely important for your doctor to be aware of your complete health history to determine if this treatment is right for you and safe. You should provide this information without hiding anything from your side.
Remember, even the smallest amount of information you provide can have a big impact on the success of treatment and your safety.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is extremely important . This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb. |
| If you have had high blood pressure, heart disease, or a previous stroke. | Because this medication can affect blood pressure and blood vessels, your doctor should pay special attention to your heart health. |
| If you have a history of bleeding disorders or stomach bleeding. | It is important to be aware of this, as the medication may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| If you have recently undergone surgery or are scheduled to undergo surgery in the future. | This medication can delay the healing process, so it is important to monitor the medication before and after surgery. |
| Kidney disease or dehydration. | Because the kidneys control fluids and medications in the body, it is important to know how they work. |
| Low blood counts. | Because chemotherapy can cause low blood cell counts, it is essential to know your baseline level. |
| Any type of infection, especially viral infections such as chickenpox or herpes. | Because treatment reduces immunity, existing infections may worsen. |
| If you have allergies to this medicine or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is very important to prevent allergic reactions. |
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Ziv-Aflibercept is an intravenous infusion . Like a saline solution, this medicine is given into your body through a vein. This is done in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional.
If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please notify your doctor or hospital immediately. It is not a good idea to skip treatment.
If you suspect an overdose, do not panic as this treatment is given in a hospital. Immediately inform the doctor or nurse there. If you need further information, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
You need to take a little extra care of your body while taking this medicine.
Surgery and dental treatment
If you are going to have any surgery or dental treatment (e.g. tooth extraction), tell your oncologist and the surgeon/dentist in advance. This medicine may slow down the healing process . This medicine should usually be stopped 4 weeks before surgery. Also, after surgery, the medicine should not be started again until the wound has healed completely, which means at least 4 weeks .
Pregnancy and Fertility
- For women: Do not become pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping treatment. It can cause serious harm to your unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding during this time.
- For men: This medication may reduce sperm count, which may affect your ability to conceive a child.
- If you have any concerns or fears about your fertility (ability to have children), talk to your doctor about it openly before starting treatment.
Protection from infections
Chemotherapy reduces the body's ability to fight disease, that is, its immunity . Therefore, even a small infection can become serious.
- Stay as far away from people with illnesses like colds and flu as possible.
- Be careful when brushing your teeth and using toothpicks. There is a high chance of bleeding gums and infection.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or a sore throat , do not take medication like paracetamol on your own, but call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. However, it is important to know what these side effects are and which ones are serious.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
|---|---|
| • Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue) | • Difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of a leg |
| • Severe headache, vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking | • Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools |
| • Red or dark brown urine | • Vomiting brown or blood-tinged vomit, like coffee grounds |
| • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg) | • Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance |
| • Fever, chills, sore throat | • Unusual bruising or bleeding from the nose or gums |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| • Diarrhea | • Stomach pain |
| • Loss of appetite | • Mouth or throat sores |
| • Excessive fatigue, tiredness | • Weight loss |
| • Headache | |
Since chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, it is normal to feel uncomfortable and lethargic. But tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Do not stop treatment because you are uncomfortable unless your doctor tells you to.
Take-Home Message
- Ziv-Aflibercept is a special anti-cancer treatment that is given into a vein by medical professionals in a hospital.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially high blood pressure, heart disease, bleeding, surgeries, and whether you are pregnant.
- Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for one month afterward. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Be careful of infections as your immunity will be reduced. If you experience symptoms such as fever and chills, seek medical advice immediately.
- Discuss any side effects you experience, even if they are minor, with your medical team. They will help you.
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