Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Ryanodex as follows:
- Ryanodex use can rarely lead to bone marrow failure, resulting in low blood cell count. Poor red cell count can lead to development of symptoms of anemia, such as, fatigue, weakness, confusion, dizziness, pale skin, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath. Low white blood cell counts from marrow failure can increase individual’s risk for infections. Low platelet counts due to marrow failure can result in increased risk for hemorrhage and bleeding episodes. Ryanodex could be avoided in individuals with history of bone marrow failure or used with extra caution with close watch for signs and symptoms of worsening anemia, increased frequency of infections, hemorrhages, and bleeding episodes.
- Chronic use of ryanodex can induce inflammation of the pleura, a membrane surrounding the lungs, resulting in swelling of the pleura and episodes of chest pain. Secondary to inflammation of the membranes, fluid gets built up around the lungs. Progressively worsening fluid accumulation around the lungs can exert pressure on the lungs from all sides and thus limit lung expansion, contributing to poor exchange of gases. Compromised lung expansion in due course of time can result in decreased lung capacity, shortness of breath, and fatigue. So, ryanodex use could be avoided for a safer alternative in individuals with history of compromised lung capacity and poor lung expansion or used with extra caution with close watch for signs and symptoms of worsening lung function and increasing breathing difficulty.
- Calcium channel blockers, such as, nifedipine, verapamil, and amlodipine, are drugs used to treat conditions like HTN, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Concurrent administration of these drugs with ryanodex can result in life-threatening arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, and so, must be avoided. Ryanodex could interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on ryanodex, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with ryanodex. Also, if you have been taking ryanodex for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of ryanodex intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Do not take ryanodex, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of ryanodex or any other medications belonging to the group of skeletal muscle relaxants, such as, methocarbamol and baclofen. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check with your physician regarding your safety with intake of ryanodex.
