including damage eyes retinopathy which can lead blindness damage nerves neuropathy
Medications
Lovastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Lovastatin is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. Lovastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, it may interact with lovastatin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking lovastatin. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Lovastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Common side effects may include: constipation, stomach pain; muscle cramps; or headache. You can lower your Cholesterol by avoiding alcohol and avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, You can add soluble fiber to your diet by eating oats and fruits, beans, lentils, and vegetables. Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity.
ALF staff instructions in new medication ketoconazole cream; use this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated, Apply enough medication to cover the affected skin and some of the surrounding skin. After applying this medication, wash your hands. Do not wrap, cover or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. Do not apply this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If this medication gets in the eyes (e.g., when used to treat dandruff), rinse thoroughly with water.
SN instructed patient/CG to seek medical attention if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Augmentin such as: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness; loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); easy bruising or bleeding; little or no urination; or severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
SN instructed patient about Gabapentin ( Neurontin ). It is a medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and hot flashes. It is also used for restless leg syndrome. It is a first line agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain arising from diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. Most common side effects of gabapentin in adult patients include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema. It may also produce sexual dysfunction in some patients, symptoms of which may include loss of libido, inability to reach sexual climax, and erectile dysfunction. It should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment due to possible accumulation and toxicity. Warning of an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking gabapentin. Report to Physician or nurse if any of those side effect / adverse reaction occurs.
Patient and caregiver educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Topiramat (Topamax). Topamax can induce extreme dry mouth and diarrhea. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with fluid supplementation. Topamax intake can induce some dizziness. Also, Topamax use can result in a side-effect of increased ammonia in the blood, which also contributes to increased nausea, confusion, and dizziness. Patient instructed to avoid activities where loss of consciousness (passing out) could result in serious danger to self or those around you (including swimming, driving a car, climbing in high places, etc.). Patient instructed to talk to his doctor before engaging in such activities.
SN instructed patient about Linzess (linaclotide) which is indicated in adults for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. It can cause serious side effects, including diarrhea, the most common side effect, whichcan be severe. Diarrhea often begins within the first 2 weeks of treatment. Stop taking Linzess and call your doctor asap if you get severe diarrhea during treatment with Linzess. Other common side effect may include gas, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distension). Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you develop unusual or severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain, especially if you also have bright red, bloody stools or black stools that look like tar.
SN instructed patient that the Xarelto is used to prevent or treat a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ), whichcanlead to blood clots in the lungs ( pulmonary embolism ). A DVT can occur after certain types of surgery. Xarelto is also used in people with atrial fibrillation ( a heart rhythm disorder ) to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot. If you take Xarelto 1 time each day: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take your next dose the following day and stay on your once-daily schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
SN educated patient and caregiver on Xarelto. Increased risk of bleeding. Xarelto can cause bleeding whichcan be serious, and may lead to death. This is because Xarelto is a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers blood clotting. During treatment with Xarelto you are likely to bruise more easily, and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. You may be at higher risk of bleeding if you take Xarelto and have certain other medical problems.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about Bactrim. Bactrim is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, ear infections, enteritis, pneumonia, traveler's diarrhea, and episodes of difficulty breathing in people with chronic bronchitis. Serious allergic reactions, such as skin rash, sore throat, fever, joint pain, cough, shortness of breath, paleness, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. Low platelet levels that may be life-threatening, but usually go back to normal within a week of stopping treatment with Bactrim. Watery and bloody stools.
SN instructed patient Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. Take once daily with or with out food in the evening at the same time. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Atorvastatin will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan. Minimize drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid drinking more than 1 liter per day of grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.