atrial fibrillation
Medications
SN instructed patient about the Eliquis, also known as Apixaban is an anticoagulant. “ANTI” means against and “COAGULANT” refers to the clotting of blood. Apixaban is a medicine ordered by your doctor to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. It does not dissolve existing clots. Sometimes apixaban is referred to as a “blood thinner”, but it does not actually thin your blood. Apixaban is commonly prescribed to people with a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of a clot forming in the heart. A clot in the heart can dislodge and cause a stroke. The role of apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation is to prevent formation of a clot in the heart and lower the risk of stroke. Tell your doctor right away if you have these side effects: Unusual bleeding: Vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, Bleeding from cuts that do not stop with pressure, Frequent bleeding from Coughing up blood gums, Nose bleeds, Black or red tarry stools, Bruises that appear without injury, blood in your urine, excessive vaginal bleeding / menstrual flow, Weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting Itching or hives, Swelling in your face, hands, mouth, or throat Difficulty breathing or chest tightness.
SN instructed patient that Eliquis is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat ( atrial fibrillation ) or after hip/knee replacement surgery. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to blood clots forming, which can travel to other parts of your body (such as the lungs or legs) or increase your risk for stroke. In the United States, apixaban is also approved to treat certain types of blood clots ( deep vein thrombosis - DVT, pulmonary embolus - PE ) and to prevent them from forming again. Eliquis is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood. SN also instructed that Nausea, easy bruising, or minor bleeding ( such as nosebleed, bleeding from cuts ) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication can cause serious bleeding if it affects your blood clotting proteins too much. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of serious bleeding, including: unusual pain / swelling / discomfort, unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, persistent / frequent nosebleeds, unusually heavy / prolonged menstrual flow, pink/dark urine, coughing up blood, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, severe headache, dizziness / fainting, unusual or persistent tiredness / weakness, bloody / black / tarry stools, difficulty swallowing.
Patient was educated about Digoxin 0.125 mg 1 tablet oral daily, this medication is used to treat CHF, tachy arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (slows ventricular rate).
Instructed in new medication Aricept to manage moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain, chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain, frequent urination, ecchymosis, weight loss, dehydration, muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can temporarily stabilize or relieve symptoms. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtime. Immediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform health care team that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep remedies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.
SN advised patient on some serious adverse effect of Lovenox such as: atrial fibrillation, heart failure, skin necrosis, hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, paraplegia, and pneumonia.
SN instructed patient that the Xarelto is used to prevent or treat a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ), which can lead 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 Instructed patient about the Eliquis ( apixaban ) this is helps to prevent that platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming a blood clot. Eliquis is used to lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot in people with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation. Because Eliquis keeps your blood from coagulating ( clotting ) to prevent unwanted blood clots, this medicine can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury such as a fall or a bump on the head. Do not stop taking Eliquis unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping suddenly can increase your risk of blood clot or stroke
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Apixaban ( Eliquis ) is a anticoagulant for the treatment of venous thromboembolic events. It is indicated for the following: to lower the risk of stroke and embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) prophylaxis. DVT's may lead to pulmonary embolism ( PE ) in knee or hip replacement surgery patients, treatment of both DVT and PE, to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE after initial therapy. Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding and may cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding. Concurrent use with drugs affecting hemostasis ( e.g. other anticoagulants, heparin, aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) can further increase the risk of bleeding.
SN instructed caregiver that Amiodarone is a class of antiarrhythmic agent used for various types of cardiac dysrhythmias, both ventricular and atrial. Despite relatively common side-effects, it is used in arrhythmias that are otherwise difficult to treat with medication. The most serious reaction that is due to amiodarone is interstitial lung disease. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Corneal micro-deposits . Abnormal liver enzyme results. Much rarer are jaundice, hepatomegaly, and hepatitis. Low-dose amiodarone has been reported to cause pseudo-alcoholic cirrhosis. Long-term administration of amiodarone is associated with a light-sensitive blue-grey discoloration of the skin, and peripheral neuropathies. Gynecomastia and an association between amiodarone and an increased risk of cancer, especially in males
SN instructed patient and caregiver instructed on medication Amiodarone. This medication is used to stabilize the rhythm of your heart. Amiodarone is used to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Take this medication at the same time daily as directed. May take with or without food. Avoid grapefruit, St. John's wort, & sunlight or tanning beds.
