Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Carisoma as follows:
Addiction and withdrawal
- Carisoma has strong potential for addiction, especially after prolonged use and/or in individuals with history of substance/drug abuse. Individuals on sudden withdrawal from carisoma, especially after prolonged use or use in high doses, can present with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as, listlessness, lack of energy, exacerbation of depressive symptoms and anxiety in individuals with history, agitation, sleep disturbances, confusion, appetite changes, delusions, hallucinations, mania, rebound bad muscle spasms, and seizures. Discontinuation on carisoma use must be slow and gradual, using tapering doses, and only on your physician recommendation.
Hematologic side-effects
- Porphyrins are compounds essential for synthesis of heme in the body. Heme is the iron containing and oxygen transporting unit of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to all the body tissues. Any irregularities or deficiencies in the pathway of heme synthesis can lead to accumulation of porphyrin molecules in the body leading to condition called porphyria. Individuals with porphyria due to reduced heme synthesis can present with signs and symptoms of poor oxygenation in various body tissues.
- Body tissues, such as, heart, lungs, muscle, brain, and intestines are highly oxygen dependent and poor oxygen delivery to these tissues can lead to symptoms of organ compromise. Individuals with porphyria can present with symptoms such as, abdominal pain, chest pain, muscle pain in the extremities & body aches, compromised endurance, shortness of breath even on mild exertion, episodes of confusion & disorientation, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeat.
- Carisoma intake can result in increased risk for acute episodes of porphyria in individuals with history. In individuals with history of porphyria, carisoma must either be avoided for a better alternative or used with extra caution and close follow-up for any development/worsening of above mentioned symptoms of poor tissue oxygenation.
