Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Carbidopa-Levodopa as follows:
- Carbidopa-Levodopa carries the risk of causing rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Hypertension, secondary to Carbidopa-Levodopa intake, can lead to episodes of headache, nose bleeds, blurred vision, chest pain, pounding sensation in the neck and ears, and confusion. Individuals with history of poorly controlled blood pressure can be at risk for stroke, secondary to elevated blood pressure with Carbidopa-Levodopa. Hypertensive individuals must observe compliance with every day blood pressure recording and log maintenance for easy follow-up. Report to your physician regarding any blood pressure numbers that are being consistently high, so as to facilitate a change in your plan of care.
- Carbidopa-Levodopa carries the risk of aggravating some underlying cardiac arrhythmias leading to severe debility and death. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of cardiac arrhythmia, if you are newly started on Carbidopa-Levodopa. If you are newly diagnosed with any cardiac arrhythmias, discuss with your physician regarding your safety with regards to continuing on Carbidopa-Levodopa, if you have been using the medication for long. Report to your physician regarding any new development or exacerbation of signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and acute shortness of breath, to facilitate any change in your plan of care.
