Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Pregabalin as follows:
- Pregabalin carries the risk of inducing/aggravating abnormal body movements or dyskinesias, such as, unusual eye movements, blurred vision, muscle weakness, unsteadiness, motor incoordination, and compromised balance, thus increasing the fall risk. Hypotension, confusion, and dizziness with Pregabalin use, can add to the fall risk, thus enhancing it further. Slow change of position, seeking caregiver assistance during ambulation, and observing compliance with DME prescribed can help to reduce fall risk and prevent any accidents from happening. Report any exacerbation of the above mentioned findings and new fall incidents to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Pregabalin hardly undergoes any metabolism in the body and is excreted almost unchanged in urine for the most part. Individuals with compromised renal function cannot excrete the medication normally, which allows the medication to stay in blood circulation for longer time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, Pregabalin must be used with extreme caution in individuals with compromised renal function, starting at a low dose and close watch for development of any dangerous side-effects and toxicity symptoms, possible multiple dose adjustments, and periodical monitoring for renal functions.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
- Take this medication as ordered by your physician. Do not change the dose and frequency on this medication without consulting your doctor. Take the medication dose for the duration prescribed without fail.
