Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Lasix as follows:
- Lasix decreases potassium levels in the body. Potassium supplements could be recommended in patients with serious risk for hypokalemia. Be compliant with any such recommendation made to avoid any issues of serious cardiac arrhythmias due to hypokalemia.
- Be cautious about using any other medications with the risk for causing hypokalemia. Discuss with your physician regarding all your current medications along with any new medications prescribed for risk of hypokalemia and consequent cardiac arrhythmias.
- Lasix use causes loss of sodium from the body and result in hyponatremia. Patients can present with nausea and vomiting, extreme lethargy, muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue secondary to very low sodium levels in the body. Be aware of these symptoms and report them to the physician without delay.
- Be cautious about using any other medications with the risk for causing hypocalcemia, as Lasix use also results in excretion of calcium in urine and low calcium levels in the blood. Discuss with your physician regarding all your current medications along with any new medications prescribed for risk of hypocalcemia and consequent tingling and numbness, severe muscle cramps and weakness, and episodes of altered levels of consciousness. Be aware of the risk of weakening of bones and pathological fractures, secondary to low calcium levels and report any of such findings immediately to your doctor.
