SN instructed patient regarding medication Lipitor. SN informed patient / caregiver that Lipitor is a medication that reduces levels of bad cholesterol ( LDL ) and triglyceride in the blood while increasing the level of good cholesterol ( HDL ). SN explained that this medication is used to treat high cholesterol and to lower risk of stroke, heart attack or other heart complication in people with type 2 diabetes. SN informed patient / caregiver that patient should eat low cholesterol diet and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when taking lipitor because it increase risk of liver damage. SN explained to patient / caregiver that side effects to watch out for are unexplained muscle pain, fever and dark colored urine, swelling urinating less than usual and weight gain. SN instructed patient / caregiver to report any persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Levothyroxine. SN taught patient / caregiver that Levothyroxine is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. SN explained that Levothyroxine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own. SN explained that Levothyroxine treats hypothyroidism ( low thyroid hormone ). SN explained that Levothyroxine is also used to treat / prevent goiter. SN taught patient / caregiver about the side effects of this medication such as headache, insomnia, nervous or irritable feeling, fever, hot flashes, sweating, changes in your menstrual periods, appetite changes and weight changes. SN Instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Levaquin. SN taught patient / caregiver that levaquin is an antibiotic and that it is used to treat bacterial infections. SN explained to patient that taking levaquin can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and also may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon. SN explained to patient / caregiver that the side effects of this medication includes headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and ear problems. SN instructed patient to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Lantus insulin. SN instructed patient / caregiver that insulin is used by the body to remove and use glucose from the blood and produce energy and that it is used in type 2 diabetes to overcome the resistance of the cells to insulin. SN explained that Lantus insulin starts working after 1 - 2 hours and peaks after 6 hours after injection, and has a duration of 18 - 26 hours. SN informed that hypoglycemia is the most common side effect that may occur during insulin therapy. SN instructed patient / caregiver to rotate insulin injection sites to avoid bruising and injury.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Labetalol. SN explained to patient / caregiver that Labetalol is an anti - hypertensive medication. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes fatigue, weakness, anxiety, bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence or worsening of side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about the medication Isosorbide. SN explained that Isosorbide is a medication given to reduce the blood pressure and that it also reduces the heart rate. SN explained that the side effects of this medication includes fatigue, anxiety, weakness, dizziness, tachycardia, pulmonary edema, constipation and dry mouth. SN instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistence of side effects or if experiencing blurred vision, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, light - headedness, confusion, depression or dry mouth.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Diltiazem. Explained that Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and some types of arrhythmia. Explained that the side effects of this medication includes stuffy nose, skin rash or itching, dizziness, headache, tired feeling, nausea or warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin. Instructed to notify Physician if experiencing persistence or worsening of medication side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic ( pain reliever ) and antitussive ( cough suppressant ). SN instructed patient / caregiver that common side effects include dizziness, light - headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting. SN instructed that side effects may be alleviated by lying down, and if they persist or worsen to notify physician. SN instructed to call physician immediately if the patient experiences slow / irregular breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine or any allergic reactions. SN instructed patient / caregiver not to take more than 8 tabs in one day and wait 6 hours in between administration to avoid complications.
SN instructed patient / caregiver that Percocet is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain - containing two drugs: acetaminophen and oxycodone. Explained that Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever & Oxycodone is used for its calming effect and for pain. Explained that the common side effects include dizziness, light - headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting. SN instructed that side effects may be alleviated by lying down and if they persist or worsen to notify Physician. SN instructed to call physician immediately if the patient experiences slow / irregular breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine or any allergic reactions. SN instructed patient to drink at least 8 glasses of water and eat foods that are high in fiber such as apples, peaches, oranges and oats if constipation is experienced.
SN instructed patient regarding medication Ciprofloxacin which is the antibiotic prescribed by patient's physician for UTI. SN instructed patient that the medication's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. SN Instructed patient to notify physician if any of these symptoms persist or worsen. Emphasized to patient the importance of completing the full course of the antibiotic regimen as prescribed to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect of the medication.