including damage eyes retinopathy which can lead blindness damage nerves neuropathy
Medications
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures. Alendronate is used to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure. This medicine is for use when you have a high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Common side effects may include heartburn, upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bone pain, or muscle or joint pain. SN instructed pt to report if she experiences any of these s/sx. Pt voiced understanding.
SN instructed caregiver that Floranex has been used as a probiotic to aid in digestion, to prevent diarrhea, and to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This medicine may work by helping the body maintain normal consistency of bacteria in the stomach and intestines. You should not use Floranex if you are allergic to soy products or if you are lactose intolerant. To make sure you can safely use Floranex, tell your healthcare provider if you have asthma or allergies. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest tightness, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
Instructed patient on medication Irbesartan, it is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Amlodipine is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on medication diazepam, explained that this should be used during times of anxiety. Advised it can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, it increases the patient fall risk as well. Both parties verbalized understanding.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diazepam can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse. This high risk benzodiazepine should never be taken more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed due to risk of overdose. S/s overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, lethargy and respiratory depression and even death in severe cases, especially when combined with EtOH or opiates. Patient and caregiver state they will only administer this medication as prescribed.
Instructed patient on new medication Sulindac. Sulindac may also be used for purposes not listed. Sulindac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine. You should not use sulindac if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient if you are taking a blood thinner, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
SN instructed patient on Nifedipine. You can take nifedipine before or after meals. Do not bite, chew or break the tablets/capsules. When you first start taking nifedipine you may get a headache or feel flushed. These symptoms usually go after a few days.
SN educated patient/caregiver on oxygen therapy. Instructed that oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen at a higher concentration than what is found in the environment. It can be given via cannula, mask, bipap/cpap, ect. Oxygen must be ordered by a MD and administered exactly as prescribed.