Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking ziprasidone as follows:
- Ziprasidone carries the risk of elevating cholesterol levels and individuals with history of hyperlipidemia, plaque formation, and myocardial infarction, must be cautious with intake of ziprasidone, with regular labs drawn for evaluation of blood lipid levels. Such individuals can be at increased risk for cardiac disease with ziprasidone intake, increased plaque deposition secondary to elevated lipid levels, and present with compromised exercise tolerance, increasing shortness of breath, and episodes of chest pain. Report these findings to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Ziprasidone carries the risk of aggravating some underlying cardiac arrhythmias leading to severe debility and death. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of cardiac arrhythmia, if you are newly started on ziprasidone. If you are newly diagnosed with any cardiac arrhythmias, discuss with your physician regarding your safety with regards to continuing on ziprasidone, if you have been using the medication for long. Report to your physician regarding any new development or exacerbation of signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and acute shortness of breath, to facilitate any change in your plan of care.
