As a CTLA-4 inhibitor, Ipilimumab can fight tumors by activating the immune system, but it may also cause immune-related side effects. This article combines clinical guidelines and medication instructions to provide reference for patients and their families.
How to alleviate the side effects of Ipilimumab?
Side effects of Ipilimumab are often due to overactivation of the immune system and need to be managed according to severity. Here are some common side effects and targeted mitigations:
Infusion reaction
Symptoms include fever, chills, dyspnea, and hypotension. If there is no relief, it is recommended that the patient stop the infusion according to the doctor's instructions, give diphenhydramine and dexamethasone anti-allergic therapy, and re-infuse at a lower rate after the symptoms are relieved.
Immune-mediated colitis
Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool. Patients can take loperamide by mouth as prescribed, and adjust their diet to be low-fiber, easily digestible. If symptoms persist and do not improve, it is recommended to stop the medication and follow the doctor's instructions for relief with high-dose intravenous corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone.
Endocrine diseases such as hypophysitis
Symptoms include fatigue, weight fluctuations, and hypotension (adrenal insufficiency), and patients may be treated with drugs such as glucocorticoids for a short period of time as prescribed.
Patients need to have regular check-ups during the medication period, contact the doctor in time when there are abnormal symptoms, relieve side effects according to the doctor's guidance, and avoid self-adjustment of the drug dose.
What are the precautions for Ipilimumab?
In addition to side effect management, the use of Ipilimumab should be followed by the following precautions:
Long-term monitoring of immune-related adverse reactions
Patients should check the blood routine, liver and kidney function, and thyroid function every 2-3 weeks during the treatment period, and follow up for at least 12 weeks after treatment to be vigilant for late-onset side effects.
Embryo-fetal toxicity
Ipilimumab is contraindicated in pregnant women because its components may cause fetal malformations or miscarriage. Women of childbearing age should use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
The instructions for Ipilimumab clearly state that it can only be used by patients over 12 years of age with melanoma and colorectal cancer, and any patient should consult their treating physician before taking the drug, and strict adherence to the medication specifications can reduce the risk.
Daily treatment of cancer patients
Cancer treatment is a long-term comprehensive management process, and patients need to cooperate comprehensively in terms of medication, lifestyle and psychology to improve the efficacy and quality of life.
Standardize medication and follow-up
Patients should receive immunotherapy on time and do not adjust the dose or discontinue the drug without authorization. Regular follow-up imaging examinations, such as CT, MRI and tumor markers, to evaluate the efficacy of medication.
Lifestyle adjustment
Patients are advised to eat a high-protein, low-fat diet, avoid eating raw and cold foods, and moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking and yoga, to enhance immunity, but avoid excessive fatigue. Patients should avoid going to crowded places to avoid cross-infection.
Patients can record side effects and symptoms such as the number of diarrhea and the extent of rash every day in their daily life, and inform the doctor during the follow-up, and the doctor will adjust the medication regimen according to the situation.
