Managing Side Effects of Zeposia: A Guide
Zeposia: Understanding Its Side Effects and Precautions
Zeposia, also known as ozanimod, is a medication approved for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). While Zeposia has shown effectiveness in managing these conditions, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and precautions.
One of the key considerations is the risk of macular edema, a condition that can cause vision changes such as blurry, wavy, or distorted vision, seeing colors that are more faded than typical. People with diabetes or uveitis may have an increased risk of developing macular edema while taking Zeposia. If you experience any vision changes, it's crucial to inform your doctor immediately.
Another common side effect of Zeposia is lymphopenia, infections, and headache, which can be experienced by both MS and UC patients. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can occur during Zeposia treatment. While it doesn't typically cause symptoms, symptoms of very high blood pressure may include headache, difficulty breathing, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
Zeposia may also cause increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood, which can sometimes be an early sign of liver damage. If you experience symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, low appetite, jaundice, or dark-colored urine, inform your doctor right away.
Before starting Zeposia treatment, your doctor may require a liver function test and repeat this blood test while you're taking Zeposia and 2 months after ending the treatment. They may also check your heart function using an EKG test before prescribing Zeposia.
Zeposia may cause temporary bradycardia (slow heart rate) and heart block (a slow-down or delay in the heart's regular rhythm). Symptoms of slow heart rate or slow heart rhythm can include tiredness, feeling lightheaded, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and heart palpitations.
If you have any of the symptoms listed, tell your doctor right away. If they confirm you have liver damage, they'll have you stop Zeposia treatment. After your last dose, your liver enzyme levels should decrease and return closer to typical levels in about 2 to 4 weeks.
Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when you change positions, can also be a side effect of Zeposia treatment. To manage this side effect, avoid sudden movements, take your time when you get up from sitting or lying down, and keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids.
In clinical trials, increased liver enzymes were typically mild and temporary in people with multiple sclerosis or ulcerative colitis. However, some people developed severely increased liver enzymes and had to stop taking the drug.
In summary, common side effects for Zeposia include lymphopenia, infections, and headache both in MS and UC patients. However, no available data directly compares how often these occur between the two patient groups. Clinical prescribing information or comparative safety studies would be needed for a more precise comparison.
It's important to remember that while this article provides an overview of Zeposia's side effects and precautions, it's not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31547503 [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32344731 [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31470390 [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32247983
- Persons seeking treatment for relapsing forms of MS or moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis might consider Zeposia, a medication that has shown effectiveness in managing these medical-conditions.
- As with any medication, it's important for switchers to be aware of Zeposia's potential side effects and precautions, particularly the risk of macular edema, which can lead to vision changes.
- Abbvie, the manufacturer of Zeposia, has reported that people with diabetes or uveitis may have an increased risk of developing macular edema while taking the drug.
- Alongside macular edema, Zeposia may cause common side effects such as lymphopenia, infections, and headaches, as well as high blood pressure – a condition known as hypertension.
- In some cases, Zeposia may contributing to increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood, which can sometimes be an early sign of liver damage.
- Seekers of treatment for health-and-wellness concerns should be wary of symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, low appetite, jaundice, or dark-colored urine, as these may indicate liver damage caused by Zeposia.
- To ensure safe treatment with Zeposia, medical-condition checks such as liver function tests and heart function tests using an EKG may be required before and throughout the treatment period.
- It's essential to consult a doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance when considering or currently taking Zeposia, as this article provides an overview but is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
