Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking carisoma as follows:
- Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of carisoma needed to derive the desired beneficial effects and also prevent toxicity with the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your physician.
- This medication can induce some nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and self-limiting diarrhea, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Observe compliance with fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition intake, as recommended. If stomach upset and diarrhea are uncontrolled, report to your physician immediately for further recommendations.
- Carisoma can sometimes also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation in some individuals. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
