Introduction
Tibsovo is a drug that treats cancers like cholangiocarcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia. It is given whenever cancer spreads to other regions, when it worsens or when the side effects become intolerable. Tibsovo is given orally, and Ivosidenib is the active ingredient present in this drug. An active ingredient in a drug means that this ingredient is the one that helps in the working of the drug. In addition, the drug has a the boxed warning for a serious condition called differentiation syndrome. Boxed warning alerts patients and doctors about the dangerous effects of the drug and is the most serious warning given by the Food and Administration (FDA). Please read this article to learn more about the Tibsovo drug, the various side effects it causes, and how the side effects are effectively managed.
What Are the Mild Side Effects of Tibsovo?
Some of the mild side effect seen in Tibsovo includes constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, cough, low energy, muscle pain, joint pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, ulcers in the mouth or throat region, and swelling of the arms and legs.
How Are the Mild Side Effects of Tibsovo Managed?
These mild side effects are usually temporary and can be easily managed. Therefore, unless the doctor advises stopping the medication, it is not recommended to stop the medication.
Which Are the Serious Side Effects of Tibsovo?
Some of the serious side effects of Tibsovo include the following:
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Differentiation Syndrome - Itis a condition that affects the blood cells. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause organ failure and, in rare cases, even death. This condition was noted as a side effect of Tibsovo used by patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The syndrome would develop right from the first dose or within three months of the treatment. Some symptoms of differentiation syndrome include cough, fever, difficulty in breathing, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, a quick weight gain (weight gain of about 10 pounds in a week), skin rash, swelling in the feet, legs, hands, or ankles, and a reduction in the amount of urine produced.
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Guillaain - Barre Syndrome - Itis a condition that affects the nervous system. Symptoms of Guillaain - Barre syndrome include difficulty breathing, problems in vision, dizziness, tingling or numbness, and weakness in the legs or arms.
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High Leukocytes Level - Leukocytes are a kind of white blood cell whose levels rise with the intake of Tibsovo, causing leukocytosis. Leukocytosis is usually asymptomatic, but the blood gets thicker when the leukocyte level becomes high. This thickness will affect the blood flow and causes issues like difficulty breathing, problems in vision, stroke, and bleeding from the mouth, stomach, or intestines.
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Long QT Syndrome - Itis an abnormal heart rhythm that changes certain electrical activities of the heart. Even though this side effect is common in patients who take Tibsovo, it does not cause any complications or symptoms. However, very rarely, there are chances of serious problems occurring with the rhythm of the heart. The risk of long QT syndrome with Tibsovo is higher in case the patient takes other medications which tend to cause the syndrome, patients born with the syndrome, patients with heart failure, or patients who have problems in the electrolyte levels of the blood. A test called an electrocardiogram (EKG) detects the presence of a QT prolongation. Other symptoms of the syndrome include chest pain, dizziness, increased heart pounding, fainting, and gasping sensations when sleeping.
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Allergic Reactions - Like any other drug, Tibsovo causes allergic reactions in some people. The allergic symptoms can vary from mild to serious, and it includes itchiness, skin rashes, flushing of the skin (temporary redness associated with warmth), swelling under the skin areas of the eyelids, hands, lips, or feet, and swelling of the tongue, mouth, and throat region which causes difficulty in breathing.
How Are the Serious Side Effects of Tibsovo Managed?
The serious side effects of Tibsovo are managed in various ways. They include:
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Differentiation Syndrome - If symptoms of the syndrome are noted during the intake of Tibsovo, it is important to notify the health care practitioner and seek medical care immediately. Appropriate monitoring in a hospital setting is essential, and the syndrome is managed with corticosteroids like Dexamethasone. After managing, the doctor will decide whether or not it is safe to take Tibsovo.
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Guillaain - Barre Syndrome - It is important to notify the doctor immediately if the symptoms of Guillaain - Barre syndrome are noted. Once the doctor confirms the presence of the syndrome in the patient, Tibsovo will be permanently stopped, and another alternative drug will be given for the treatment.
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High Leukocytes Level - Healthcare practitioners usually order blood tests before and during the treatment with Tibsovo to check the leukocyte levels. If the levels are noted to be high, the doctor prescribes a drug called hydroxyurea (Hydrea, Doxia), which will help lower the white blood cell count. If hydroxyurea does not manage the leukocytosis, the doctor might temporarily stop the Tibsovo, and once the leukocytes return to normal levels, the doctor will resume the treatment.
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Long QT Syndrome - During treatment, the healthcare practitioner routinely orders EKG to check the electrolyte levels of the blood. These tests are used to watch for signs of abnormal heart rhythm, including the long QT syndrome. If the symptoms of the syndrome are noted while taking Tibsovo, it is important to notify the doctor immediately. If the doctor suspects the syndrome, they might suggest temporary or permanent treatment stopping, or the doctor might try a lower dose of Tibsovo.
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Allergic Reactions - If allergic reactions are noted, it is important to notify the healthcare partitioner. Over-the-counter antihistamines like Diphenhydramine manages allergic reactions. In some cases, topical creams like hydrocortisone creams are also recommended. If the doctor confirms an allergic reaction towards Tibsovo, they will decide whether or not the medicine should be continued. If severe allergic reactions like difficulty breathing or swelling occur, it is important to seek immediate medical care since the symptoms can be life-threatening.
How Can a Patient Track Side Effects During the Tibsovo Treatment?
During the Tibsovo treatment keeping notes on the side effects will be helpful, especially when new drugs are started or when a combination treatment is done. The notes on side effects can include things like the dose of the drug taken when the side effect was noted, symptoms noted with the side effect, how the symptoms affected the patient’s day-to-day activities, which another medication was taken at the time, and how soon the side effect emerged after taking the particular dose.
Conclusion
Tibsovo is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer. It causes side effects that vary from mild to severe. Mild side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, and cough; severe side effects include differentiation syndrome, allergic reactions, and long QT syndrome. The mild side effects can be easily managed, whereas severe side effects may require medical intervention and sometimes hospital admission.
