Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking metaxalone as follows:
- Metaxalone only helps with relieving muscle spasms, but does not fix the actual condition causing the muscle spasms and so, is not a permanent cure. Continue taking metaxalone as ordered, even if you experience relief from muscle pain and spasms, until your physician orders for the discontinuation on the medication. Abrupt discontinuation on metaxalone intake can result in more severe side-effects and worsening muscle spasms again. Discontinuation on metaxalone use must only be on your physician recommendation.
- Your physician could change the dose of metaxalone, based on the response you show, relief obtained, and side-effects presented with. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and be accommodative to the plan of dose changes, until you show an optimum response.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolving muscle spasms, progressively worsening muscle pain and discomfort, compromised range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and any continuing or worsening unpleasant side-effects, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
- Metaxalone is extensively metabolized in the liver and the inactive metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of metaxalone can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, in individuals with history of compromised liver function, metaxalone must be used with caution and possible multiple dose adjustments. Periodical labs could be ordered for monitoring liver functions and watch for development of any toxicity symptoms with the medication. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and any lab draws ordered. Be accommodative to the plan of dose changes to achieve an optimum response and prevent development of any undesired side-effects.
