Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking metaxalone 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 metaxalone needed to derive the desired beneficial effects and also prevent toxicity with the medication.
- Observe compliance with intake of medication, as ordered. Do not change the dose or frequency of the medication without physician consultation.
- Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set enough reminders on your phone for medication pick-up. You can have a reminder 10 days ahead, the next a week ahead, and then, every day, before you run out of the medication. This helps with securing the refill in time, making arrangements for pick-up at the pharmacy, and prevent non-compliance with intake of the medication.
- Metaxalone can induce some nausea and vomiting, 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.
- Metaxalone can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures, compliance with daily fluid & fiber 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.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose, which can result in toxicity. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
