What is Ibritumomab?
Ibritumomab is a protein that focuses white blood corpuscles in the body. When the medicine is appended to a radioactive compound, it promptly carries the radiations to the tumour or Lymphoma. The medication is used in tandem with other drugs to counter non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It may also be utilized for purposes not mentioned in this concise clinical guide.
What are the common conditions in which Ibritumomab prescribed?
This drug is prescribed to cure tumors and Lymphoma.
How should I take Ibritumomab?
This medicine is administered along with rituximab (Rituxan) and a radioactive substance. Ibritumomab is received as a direct intravenous infusion which shall be provided to you by your medical practitioner. In case you feel any irritation on your skin such as burning, pain, or inflammation nigh the IV needle when being inoculated, do tell your doctor.
To preclude the possibility of any adverse responses or side- effects your physician may prescribe you some preventive medications. Take all the medicine precisely as suggested. Ibritumomab can magnify the risks facing bleeding or infection. As per the needs you may have to undergo certain medical tests.
When you should not take Ibritumomab?
Do not receive the treatment with ibritumomab if you are sensitive to the medicine or any radioactive elements or mouse proteins.
Inform your doctor if you ever got:
- any sort of infection;
- bleeding or blood clotting troubles;
- breathing issues; or
- if you use blood thinner medicines or anti coagulants such as warfarin, Coumadin.
Taking this injection may pose the risks of acquiring other kinds of cancers for e.g., leukaemia or preleukemia. You may further inquire about any specific hazards of the drug from your doctor. Before the treatment begins, a pregnancy test is taken which ought to show negative in its report. The partners should use effective birth control measures to avoid pregnancy.
This is because Ibritumomab is potent to harm an unborn infant and may inflict congenital defects. Continue using birth control for as minimum as 12 months after the final dose. If a woman gets pregnant while either of the partner is administering this Injection, do acquaint your doctor right away. It may be detrimental to breast-feed while taking this drug so avoid nursing your baby for at least 6 months since your final dose.
Inquire from your doctor about any related risk factors. A person may experience deadly reactions while receiving the injection or within 24 hours later.
Appraise your doctor or your caretakers if any of the following signs occur:
- Angina [chest pain] or congestion in the chest
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pains penetrating from chest to jaw or shoulder
- Intense dizziness
What are the possible side effects of Ibritumomab?
If you experience symptoms of allergic response to the medication such as hives, cough, chest pain, shallow breath, inflammation in your face or throat, skin reactions [fever, sore throat, skin pain, red or purple rashes, blisters and flakiness], then seek immediate medical attention.
There are chances of getting serious and often lethal infections or skin conditions during the treatment process until or after a period of 4 months.
Communicate to your doctor if you have:
- Fever, chills, mouth sores,
- Paleness in the skin,
- Cold hands and feet and Dizziness
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Short breath
- Changes in the skin where the medicine was infused
Common side effects may comprise:
- nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea;
- fever and cough;
- stuffy nose, sore throat, sinus pain; or
- unusual fatigue
These are not all possible side effects as others may occur as well. Talk to your doctor for further information about side effects.
What to do if I miss the dose?
Talk to your doctor for directions in case you miss the scheduled slot for your Ibritumomab injection.
Common Drug Interaction with Ibritumomab
Inform your medics about all medicines you take, together with prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements as they may interact with this medication.
Bottom Line
Ibritumomab is a drug assist in the treatment of tumors and Lymphoma or other types of cancers. Â This medicine should be received under supervision of medical practitioner else adverse consequences may follow.
If you experience any counter responses or side- effects, promptly report to the doctor.
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