Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Ryanodex as follows:
Pulmonary side-effects
- Pleura is a membrane surrounding the lungs. Chronic use of ryanodex can induce inflammation of the pleura (pleuritis), resulting in swelling of the pleura and episodes of chest pain. As the inflamed membranes rub against the tissues during breathing in and out, the chest pain with pleuritis characteristically worsens.
- Secondary to inflammation of the membranes, fluid gets built up in the pleural space, around the lungs. This fluid built up is called pleural effusion. Progressively worsening pleural effusion can exert pressure on the lungs from all sides and thus limit lung expansion, contributing to poor exchange of gases and shortness of breath.
- This fluid accumulation can also get infected leading to collection of pus and this serious condition is called empyema. Individuals with empyema can present with fever & chills, dry cough, episodes of sharp stabbing chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- As breathing in and out worsens the pain, individuals with pleuritis tend to breathe minimally, which limits expansion of lungs during inhalation. Fluid accumulation around the lungs also contributes to limiting the expansion of lungs during inhalation. This limited lung expansion can lead to collapsed portions of lungs, which we call as atelectasis of lung.
Respiratory depression
- Ryanodex intake can rarely lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain and consequently cause exacerbation of SOB, and difficult breathing.
- This risk with ryanodex 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 ryanodex intake.
