A Quick Guide on Vigabatrin 500mg

 Indication: Vigabatrin falls under the family of drugs named antiepileptic and is used in order to treat:

• Partial epilepsies together with other anti-epileptic drugs when other anti epilepsy drug combinations were not effective. 
• Infantile spasms (West Syndrome)

Vigabatrin must be used under precise monitoring by a neurologist and an ophthalmologist.

How to take Vigabatrin: It is crucial that you take sabril 500mg tablets exactly as your doctor has instructed. Your healthcare practitioner will start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose to the lowest amount needed to control the epilepsy.

Sabril tablets and powder for oral solution (sachets) is taken with or without food. Suddenly interrupt taking the drug is not recommended. Discontinuation of medicine should be done gradually over a few weeks and only in consultation with your healthcare practitioner. Keep checking that you've enough medicine and do not run out.

Possible Side Effects: The most commonly occurred vigabatrin side effects are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Common cold
• Sore throat
• Weight gain

NOTE: Contact your health practitioner in case you need to know about how to manage your adverse reactions.

When Vigabatrin shouldn't be used: Do not use vigabatrin 500 mg tablets in case:

• You/your child are allergic to vigabatrin or any other existing ingredients of the Sabril.
• You're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• You are breast-feeding or planning to breastfeed.

Serious Warnings and Precautions:

• The vigabatrin 500mg can damage the vision of any individual who takes it. 
• Sabril may result in a loss of peripheral vision (narrowing your vision) which may be responsible for permanent damage to eyesight. 
• Prior to starting seizure treatment, you need to discuss with your doctor the potential benefits of this drug versus the risk of damage to your vision. 
• You/your child should have your eyes examined prior to starting treatment with vigabatrin 500mg and at regular intervals (approximately every 90 days) thereafter. 
• Report to your doctor immediately about any change in your/your child’s eyesight such as narrowing of your vision, blurred vision or any other visual symptoms. 

NOTE: The information provided in this article is only for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

FAQ's

What is Sabril used for?

SABRIL (vigabatrin) is a prescription drug used with other treatments in adults and children aged 2 years and older with refractory complex partial seizures (CPS). 

What does vigabatrin treat?

Vigabatrin is used in order to control infantile spasms (a type of seizure that babies and children can have) in babies aged 1 month to 2 years. It belongs to the anticonvulsants class of medicine. 

How does Sabril work?

Sabril helps in order to control the electrical activity in the brain. This decreases the chances of having seizures. 

Is vigabatrin available in India?

Yes, this product is available in India. You can buy sabril medicine online. 

How much does sabril (vigabatrin) cost? 

The sabril 500mg price may vary from innovator to generic drugs. In order to get this drug at best price, go with a WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company. 

Read - Hodgkin's lymphoma Treatment Drugs

Rituximab: A Best Treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The medication rituximab specifically is a genetically engineered chimeric murine or human monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen that exists on the surface of normal as well as malignant B lymphocytes. The antibody mainly is an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin that contains murine light and heavy-chain variable region sequences and the human constant region sequences. Rituximab was originally approved by the U.S. FDA in the year of 1997 as a single agent in order to treat patients with B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), however, has now been approved for several other conditions. 

How Rituximab Is Administered:

rituximab 500 mg injection should be administered as an infusion into veins. It is given over a few hours. The infusion is initiated gradually, and in case the patient does not have any kind of reactions to the drug, the infusion rate can be increased every hour until infusion is finished.

It should be administered on a weekly basis for 4-8 weeks when it is given alone. When given together with chemo, it is recommended to be given on the first day of each cycle of chemo for each of the 6-8 cycles.

Possible Side Effects: The possible rituximab side effects are as follows:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Rash
• Itchiness
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Sweating
• Nervousness
• Muscle stiffness
• Numbness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nasal discharge
• Fall in blood counts

How rituximab (Reditux) works: Reditux 500mg Injection specifically is a monoclonal antibody. It is believed to targets a protein named CD20 on the surface of the leukaemia as well as lymphoma cells. It basically sticks to all the founded CD20 proteins. After then the cells of the immune system selects the marked cells and destroy them.

Pregnancy: It is unspecified if use of Reditux 500mg Injection during pregnancy is safe for the fetus or newborn baby. 

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Facts:

• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is cancer that mainly originates in the lymphatic system. It represents a group of different cancers.
• There are numerous subtypes of NHL, each requiring different treatments.
• The non-Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms and signs include: weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and night sweats.
• NHL stages range from 1 to 4. Cancer staging is necessary in order to determine non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment as well as predict the possible outcomes of the treatment.

Other Drugs for non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: There are some other Drugs Approved for non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, which are as follows:

• Adcetris (Brentuximab Vedotin)
• Aliqopa (Copanlisib Hydrochloride)
• Arranon (Nelarabine)
• Beleodaq (Belinostat)
• Bendeka (Bendamustine Hydrochloride) 
• BiCNU (Carmustine)
• Brukinsa (Zanubrutinib)
• Calquence (Acalabrutinib)
• Copiktra (Duvelisib)
• Folotyn (Pralatrexate)
• Gazyva (Obinutuzumab)
• Imbruvica (Ibrutinib)
• Intron A (Recombinant Interferon Alfa-2b)
• Istodax (Romidepsin)
• Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
• Kymriah (Tisagenlecleucel)
• Leukeran (Chlorambucil)
• Monjuvi (Tafasitamab-cxix)
• Mozobil (Plerixafor)
• Ontak (Denileukin Diftitox)
• Polivy (Polatuzumab Vedotin-piiq)
• Poteligeo (Mogamulizumab-kpkc)
• Revlimid (Lenalidomide)
• Rituxan Hycela (Rituximab and Hyaluronidase Human)
• Tazverik (Tazemetostat Hydrobromide)
• Tecartus (Brexucabtagene Autoleucel)
• Treanda (Bendamustine Hydrochloride)
• Trexall (Methotrexate Sodium)
• Truxima (Rituximab)
• Velcade (Bortezomib)
• Venclexta (Venetoclax)
• Xalkori (Crizotinib)
• Xpovio (Selinexor)
• Zolinza (Vorinostat)
• Zydelig (Idelalisib)
• Yescarta (Axicabtagene Ciloleucel)
• Zevalin (Ibritumomab Tiuxetan)

FAQ's

Is lymphoma hard to diagnose?

Typically, the diagnosis of lymphoma is not hard. Like all other cancers, a lymphoma diagnosis requires a biopsy. Majority of the biopsies are now core needle biopsies of the lymph nodes. Infrequently the surgical removal of a lymph node is needed.

What is the difference between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms?

Hodgkin lymphomas most often arise in the upper part of the body (the neck, underarms, or chest). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually arises in the lymph nodes throughout the body, but may also occur in the normal organs. Patients with the either sort may have signs such as fever, weight loss, and night sweats.

What are the most common side effects during treatment with rituximab?

The most common side effects during treatment with Rituximab 500 mg are: 

• body aches
• tiredness
• nausea
• infusion-related reactions
• infections (may include fever, chills)

What is the success rate of rituximab?

Rituximab along with bendamustine was studied in a phase-2 trial in patients with the relapsed disease. This combination offered very effective outcomes, with an ORR of 92%.

What is the cost of rituximab injection in india? 

The cost of rituximab injection in India may vary depending on the pharmaceutical wholesaler and of course the brand you choose. Prices of rituximab may range from 23,125 INR to 80,000 INR for a supply of vial of 1 injection. 

Reditux 500mg Injection is prescribed for:

A Quick Guide On Bendamustine Injection

 Bendamustine (Treanda), falls under an alkylating agent, which is specifically a chemotherapy drug recommended in order to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This drug comes in order to be given by injection into a vein.

In patients with bendamustine injection, some commonly reported adverse reactions include fever, low blood cell counts, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, cough, and rash. Other severe adverse reactions due to this injection may include increased risk of infection, and allergic reactions. Administration during pregnancy may leave harmful effects on an unborn baby. 

How Bendamustine Is Given: As an injection it should be given into the vein (intravenous, IV). Bendamustine does not come in the form of pills. The amount of drug that you will be given depends on several factors, including height as well as weight, general health or other health related complications, and cancer type or condition being treated. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose and also schedule.

What are some precautions should I follow?

Prior to start taking bendamustine injection,

• inform your healthcare practitioner in case you are allergic to bendamustine 100 mg, any other drugs, or any of its ingredients. Ask your healthcare practitioner for a list of the existing ingredients.
• inform your healthcare practitioner what prescription as well as nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or want to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, and omeprazole. Your healthcare team may need to change the doses of your drugs or monitor you carefully for adverse reactions. There are several drugs that may interact with this injection, so be sure in order to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are consuming, even all those that are not appearing on this list.
• inform your healthcare practitioner in case you have or have ever had CMV, Hepatitis B virus infection, TB, herpes zoster, or kidney or liver disease.
• inform your healthcare practitioner in case you are pregnant or want to conceive a child, or if you want to father a child. You must use birth control in order to prevent pregnancy in yourself or your partner while on your treatment with bendamustine injection and for 90 days afterwards. Discuss with your healthcare team about birth control methods that will be suitable for you. In case you become pregnant while on bendamustine injection, contact your healthcare practitioner. Bendamustine injection may be responsible for causing harm to the fetus.
• Inform  your healthcare professional in case you are breast-feeding. You should avoid breastfeeding while on your treatment with bendamustine injection.
• you must be aware that this injection may be responsible for making you tired. Avoid driving a car or operating machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• inform your healthcare provider in case you use tobacco containing products. Smoking may reduce the effect of this medicine.

What do I need to do if I forget a dose?

Contact your healthcare practitioner immediately in case you are unable to keep an appointment in order to receive a dose of bendamustine injection.

NOTE: The information provided in this article is only for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

FAQ’s

• What is General Information about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
• CLL is a type of cancer in which our bone marrow produces unwanted lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
• Leukemia may be responsible for affecting the red blood cells, white blood cells, as well as platelets.
• Signs as well as symptoms of cll leukemia include swollen lymph nodes and feeling tired.
• Tests that examine the blood are used for Chronic lymphocytic leukemia diagnosis.

How does chronic lymphocytic leukemia affect the body?

Chronic Lymphocytic Lymphoma is responsible for causing a slow increase in a certain sort of WBC named B lymphocytes, or B cells. Cancerous cells basically spread through the blood as well as bone marrow. It can also be responsible for affecting the lymph nodes or other organs such as the spleen and liver. Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma eventually may affect the functioning of bone marrow.

How common is chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

Chronic Lymphocytic Lymphoma is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. It often occurs while or following middle age; it rarely develops in children.

What are the stages of CLL?

After the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, tests are done in order to find out whether the cancer has spread or not.

The following CLL stages are as:

• Stage 0
• Stage I
• Stage II
• Stage III
• Stage IV

This disease (CLL) is basically described as asymptomatic, symptomatic or progressive, refractory, or recurrent.

Can I return to work or my normal activities?

Returning to work or normal activities will depend on how you respond to the treatment. Every individual responds in a different way. Ask your healthcare team what is appropriate for you.

As you return to your work/daily activities, let your friends and caregiver assist you. Allowing friends and family to give moral and emotional support is quite helpful during your treatment.

What should I do if I am having adverse reactions from Bendamustine treatment?

Get in touch with your healthcare professional right away in case you have any adverse reactions. Don’t wait to circulate this information at your next office visit.

Will I lose my hair?

In a safety evaluation from a clinical study for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hair loss occurred in 1 of the 153 patients treated with the bendamustine in comparison to 0 of the 143 patients treated with the chlorambucil. On behalf of an NHL study, hair loss occurred in 3 of the 100 patients treated with bendamustine HCL. 

How much does bendamustine cost?

The average wholesale price (AWP) of bendamustine HCL (Bendit) is 3,643 INR for a supply of vial of 1 injection. 

NOTE: The piece of information provided in this article about "Bendamustine: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" is just for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of an experienced or qualified healthcare practitioner.

Read - A Quick Guide on Clofarabine Injection

A Quick Guide on Clofarabine Injection

 What is Indication? 

The clofarabine injection belongs to a class of medicines known as purine nucleoside antimetabolites. This drug is used for the treatment of patients suffering from refractory or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have received at least two prior therapy. This drug is generally highly effective in children or young adults. This medication works by killing the existing cancerous cell and limiting the growth of new cancer cells.

Dosage:

The medication is available in the injection form of strength 20 mg/20 NL in a  single-dose vial that is injected intravenously. Clofarabine is only administered by a specialized doctor or nurse. The drug is given once daily for 5 days repeated after a 2 days gap. 

Adverse Reactions:

The clofarabine side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, vomiting, flushing, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, depression, drowsiness, dry, itchy, or irritated skin, swelling of the inside of the mouth and nose, irritability, painful white patches in the mouth, anxiety, headache and pain in the back, joints, arms, or legs. 

What are some warnings and precautions with Clofarafine?

• Patients taking this medication are prone to a high level of infection. If any symptoms of infection occur discontinue the use of medication immediately. 
• This drug should not be used in case of tumor lysis syndrome occurrence.
• Regular monitoring of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) or Capillary Leak Syndrome must take place.   
• A patient suffering from hepatotoxicity should not take this medication
• Closely monitor for renal toxicity and acute renal failure.
• Skin Reactions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) may occur. 

Storage: This drug is stored in a refrigerator whose temperature ranges from 2-8°C. It should be protected from excess moisture and light. 

NOTE: The information provided in this article is only for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

FAQs

What is the most aggressive type of leukemia?

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is the most aggressive type of leukemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is common leukemia developed in adults. 

Is Acute leukemia curable?

Acute leukemia is curable in some cases if detected at an early stage. This leukemia becomes fatal if not treated properly. 

What type of cancer is acute lymphoblastic leukemia? 

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is cancer in which the bone marrow produces a lot of lymphocytes that are a type of white blood cell. This generally can happen because of previous exposure to radiation and chemotherapy. 

How to diagnose acute lymphocytic leukemia? 

• Some of the diagnostic methods can be used in order to diagnose ACL, which may include:
• Blood Test: A blood test is done to detect the presence of an immature cell that is commonly found in the bone marrow.
• Bone Marrow Test: During this process, a sample of bone marrow is removed from the breast bone or hip bone to check the presence of leukemia cells.
• Imaging Test: X-rays are done to check the spread of Cancer to the spinal cord or brain.
• Spinal fluid Test: A puncture test is done in Mumbai to collect the spinal fluid and test the presence of leukemia cells.

How long can you live with acute lymphocytic leukemia? 

According to a survey, approximately 70% of people suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia live up to 5 years after diagnosis. 

Can you fully recover from leukemia?

We are not completely assured of the possibility of recovery from leukemia as it can return because of chemotherapy or other methods.

Is acute lymphoblastic leukemia inherited?

Leukemia does not usually run in families, so in most cases, it is of course not hereditary. Although, individuals can inherit genetic abnormalities that may be responsible for increasing their risk of developing this form of cancer.

Can acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) spread?

The acute lymphoblastic leukemia disease invades your blood and has the potential to spread to other organs of the body, such as liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. 

How fast does acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) progress?

There are different types of leukemia, which are organized into two major groups: chronic and acute. Chronic leukemia usually gets worse gradually, over months to years, while acute leukemia forms rapidly and progresses over days to weeks.

Does acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have stages?

Acute lymphocytic leukemia has no standard staging system. The phases of this disease are described as untreated, in remission, relapsed or refractory.

Why is Clofarabine prescribed?

Clofarabine is prescribed for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in children and young adults aged 1-21 years old who have previously received two other treatments. 

How does clofarabine work? 

Clofarabine specifically is an antimetabolite chemotherapy medication. It is involved in order to prevent cells from developing DNA and RNA, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Clofarabine is available as a solution to be injected into a vein. It is administered by an experienced healthcare professional. This drug is usually administered once daily for 5 days in a row. This dosing cycle of clofarabine may be repeated once every 2-6 weeks, depending on your response to the treatment. It will usually take at least a couple of hours to receive each dose of clofarabine. Report your healthcare team promptly in case you feel anxious or restless while taking this medication.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of clofarabine overdose, go to the nearest emergency hospital. If the victim has collapsed, has trouble breathing, had a seizure, or can't be awakened, immediately call your doctor. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• vomiting
• rash

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

You should drink plenty of fluids every day while on the clofarabine therapy, especially in case you puke or have diarrhea.

Read - THINGS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RIFAXIMIN

Midostaurin for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)

 Midostaurin (Rydapt) has been approved in order to treat adult patients with AML. As a multi-targeted protein kinase inhibitor, it blocks the several protein kinase enzymes that are involved with cell growth, and prevent the growth of the leukaemia cells. A bit more specifically, midostaurin 25 mg capsules inhibit the signals from the FLT3 receptor, stopping the cell cycle as well as promoting the death of the leukaemia cells that have the FMS-like tyrosine 3 mutation.

Who receives midostaurin?

It is recommended for adult patients who are with newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia who have the FMS-like tyrosine 3 mutation.

This drug is also recommended in order to treat some patients with an absolutely different haematological condition named advanced systemic mastocytosis. 

How is midostaurin administered?

It is mostly recommended to be used in along with other chemotherapies. It is approved for use together with daunorubicin and cytarabine as induction treatment for AML adult patients with newly diagnosed AML and a FMS-like tyrosine 3 mutation. In acute myeloid leukemia patients with a complete response, this medication is consumed with high-dose cytarabine in the form of consolidation chemotherapy, and can be used as a single agent for the maintenance therapy. 

Things need to when taking midostaurin: You need to follow the following steps when taking midostaurin:

• Consume midostaurin 25 mg at the same time each day to help you in order to remember when you have to take your dose.
• Midostaurin is consumed with food.
• It is taken twice daily at about 12-hour intervals.
• Capsules are swallowed whole with water. Do not crush, open, or chew them to make sure you get the full dose and any unpleasant taste of the capsule content should be avoided. 
• In case consumed with chemotherapy, you must follow the words of your healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of midostaurin?

Side effects are usually mild or moderate, and will generally disappear following a few weeks of treatment. Some patients have optimal side effects, whereas other patients may have more. This drug is still working even if you don’t experience any kind of side effects. 

Common side effects: Some common side effects due to midostaurin are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Fever
• Nose bleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Redness
• Peeling of the skin

Immediately call your healthcare practitioner, in case you experience any of the following adverse reactions as you may need treatment:

• Raised temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F)
• Unexpected bruising/bleeding
• Eye pain
• Dry or watery eyes
• Feeling very tired
• Short of breath 

What happens if midostaurin doesn’t work?

Your respective healthcare practitioner will closely monitor how effectively this medicine is working for you by taking regular blood tests.

In case midostaurin (a first -generation protein kinase inhibitor), is not working or has stopped working for you, your healthcare practitioner will decide which is the next best treatment option. 

NOTE: The information provided in this article is only for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner

FAQ's

What is the best alternative therapy for acute myeloid leukemia?

Immunotherapy can be the best alternative treatment option for AML. It is also named targeted therapy.

Is AML completely curable?

Yes, every has a cure. No doubt it is a serious disease, but it is treatable and often curable. 

How is acute myeloid leukemia diagnosed?

In order to diagnose AML, a respective doctor will perform blood tests to count the number of WBC and to check if they look abnormal under the microscope. 

How long do you live with acute myeloid leukemia?

The 5-year survival rate indicates what percent of patients live at least 5 years after the cancer is found. The 5-year survival rate for patients aged 20 years and older is about 25%. For patients younger than 20 years, the survival rate is 67%.

Apart from this, survival depends on several other factors, including biologic features of the disease and a patient’s age. 

Is Midostaurin chemo?

Midostaurin belongs to the targeted anti-cancer therapy. It is a FMS-like tyrosine 3 inhibitor.

How much does Midostaurin cost?

Prices may vary from innovator to generic drugs. The rydapt 25 mg price is about ₹ 1.40 Lakh/Box. 

Is midostaurin an alternative therapy for acute myeloid leukemia? 

Yes, midostaurin together with standard chemotherapy, could be an efficient alternative therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (FLT3-AML). 

Read - Patient Information on Azathioprine