Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Gablofen as follows:
- Gablofen carries the risk of depressing the cardiovascular center in the brain, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, intake of gablofen can result in low heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with inherent history of low heart rates and hypotension, secondary to gablofen intake, can be at serious risk of dangerously low blood pressure and cardiac arrest. Gablofen must either be avoided or used with extra caution in individuals with such history, to prevent serious debility and death.
- Gablofen is poorly metabolized in the liver and most of the unchanged drug along with some inactive metabolites are excreted in the urine. Individuals with history of renal disease cannot excrete gablofen and metabolites normally. The unchanged medication and metabolites can stay in blood circulation for longer time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, for individuals with compromised renal function, gablofen must be either be avoided or used with caution, with close monitoring for symptoms of toxicity with gablofen.
- Gablofen could interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on gablofen, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with gablofen. Also, if you have been taking gablofen for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of gablofen intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Gablofen use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, can occasionally result in exacerbation of mania and depressive symptoms, changes in behavior, hallucinations, and compromised sexual drive. Gablofen must either be avoided for an alternative or used with extra caution in individuals with such history, to prevent exacerbation of mood disorders.
