Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Gablofen as follows:
Respiratory depression
- Gablofen, especially when taken in high doses, can lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain and consequently cause exacerbation of SOB, and difficult breathing.
- This risk with gablofen can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing central nervous depression, such as, alcohol, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives.
- Individuals with history of breathing disorders, such as, asthma, emphysema, and COPD, are at increased risk for presentation with severe debility due to respiratory arrest from gablofen intake.
Genitourinary side-effects
- Gablofen can also induce retention of urine in the bladder and difficulty with emptying the bladder. Individuals with history of retention of urine and frequent urinary tract infections must be aware of this side-effect, as gablofen can exacerbate risk for UTIs significantly.
General allergic reactions
- Gablofen use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with gablofen, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
