Side effects of covishield: what is TTS syndrome, what are its symptoms, and warning flags you should not ignore

Covishield TTS: AstraZeneca has recognized that the COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, which is extensively used in India, may cause TTS adverse effects. Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is an uncommon but dangerous condition characterized by low platelet counts and blood clots. Headaches, impaired vision, and chest pain are some of the symptoms. Dr. Jayadevan places a strong emphasis on awareness and early intervention for successful management. The admission by AstraZeneca comes after adenovirus vector vaccinations were connected to cases of TTS.

According to a story by The Telegraph, the UK pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has admitted that there is a chance that the COVID-19 vaccination could result in Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), an uncommon adverse effect. During the pandemic, AstraZeneca worked with Oxford University to create the vaccine, which was manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and used in India under the name Covishield.

What's TTS, Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome?

A rare but dangerous disorder known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) has been associated with some COVID-19 vaccinations, most notably the adenovirus vector vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.

Blood clots (thrombosis) and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), which are essential for blood clotting, are symptoms of TTS. Unusual clot locations, like the belly or brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis), are frequently involved.

TTS Symptoms

Severe or ongoing headaches, impaired vision, dyspnea, chest pain, leg swelling, ongoing abdomen pain, and easy bruising or small blood spots under the skin beyond the injection site are some of the symptoms that may be experienced.

TTS Danger signs you should's ignore

Even though TTS is uncommon, people who have had vaccinations linked to it should watch out for symptoms and get help right away if they appear within a few weeks of the shot. Effective management of TTS requires early detection and intervention. "Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS, is characterized by low platelet counts and blood clots in the brain or other regions of the body. According to Dr. Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force in Kerala, "it's a rare occurrence following specific types of vaccines and other causes."

"While Covid vaccines have undoubtedly saved lives, reports of these extremely rare but potentially serious immune-mediated events have also been documented in reputable journals," Dr. Jayadevan said, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness.

AstraZeneca's Statement

According to a story in The Telegraph, AstraZeneca acknowledged that there was a chance that the COVID-19 vaccination could cause TTS. The Serum Institute of India created the vaccine, which is sold all over the world under the brands Covishield and Vaxzevria. Covishield, in contrast to mRNA vaccines, is based on the viral vector platform and delivers the COVID-19 spike protein into human cells by means of a modified chimpanzee adenovirus.

A 2023 Yale Medicine.org report emphasized the risk of blood clots, especially when they form inside blood vessels and result in thrombosis. Robert Bona, MD, a hematologist at Yale Medicine, clarified, saying, "Those clots typically occur in individuals who are hospitalized, bedridden, or have other medical issues related to inflammation, infection, or cancer."

TTS was identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023 as a new adverse event that occurred after vaccination in people who received COVID-19 non-replicant adenovirus vector-based vaccines, such as the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Janssen COVID-19 Ad26.COV2-S vaccine and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 ChAdOx-1 vaccine.