Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Vancocin as follows:
- Observe compliance with the Vancocin trough lab ordered, once a week, which helps to determine the dose and the appropriate timing between individual doses of the antibiotic. This helps to assure that the therapeutic concentration of the antibiotic is always maintained in the blood.
- Watch closely for development of any opportunistic infections, such as, oral candidiasis with white patches in the mouth, to be reported to the physician.
- Check with your doctor regarding safety upon receiving any live vaccinations, as Vancocin by eliminating natural bacterial flora, could lower the body’s resistance. Live vaccinations could turn virulent in such individuals, precipitating new infections.
- Observe compliance with any regular lab work ordered. As Vancocin carries the risk for damage to the kidneys, renal function could be periodically monitored, to prevent any risk for toxicity. Watch closely to report any symptoms of renal injury and altered kidney function, such as, altered levels of consciousness and reduced urine formation, should be closely watched for and reported to the physician.
