Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be exercised while using Haloperidol as follows:
- Haloperidol carries significant risk of suppressing production of white blood cells from the bone marrow and lead to agranulocytosis. Haloperidol must be cautiously used or avoided in individuals with history of blood cell disorder, especially of low white blood cell count. Reduced white blood cell count can contribute to lowered immunity, thus resulting in frequent fever, chills, sore throat, and risk for frequent infections. Report any such frequent findings, while taking haloperidol, to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Periodical labs could be ordered to evaluate the white blood cell count and the safe therapeutic dose of haloperidol use. Observe compliance with any lab draws ordered.
- Haloperidol carries the risk of aggravating blood sugars and can result in poor blood sugar control in diabetics. Diabetics must maintain a log of everyday blood sugar readings, to allow for an easy follow-up on the pattern of blood sugars and observe compliance with any measures prescribed for blood sugar control, such as, anti-diabetic medications, physical exercise, and dietary recommendations. Closely follow for any signs of poor blood sugar control, such as, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision. Report these findings and any consistent elevated blood sugar readings to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
