Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Meropenem as follows:
- Patients with history of diminished hearing and ototoxicity are at increased risk for hearing loss with Meropenem. Individuals taking Meropenem must observe a close watch regarding the same and report any changes with hearing to the physician immediately.
- Some forms of Meropenem have sodium content in them, which can result in fluid retention and unusual weight gain in individuals taking them. This can be dangerous in individuals with heart failure, as fluid retention and increased volume can be detrimental in an already failing heart. So, individuals with congestive heart failure must be watchful about signs and symptoms of fluid retention, such as, edema, sudden weight gain, increased shortness of breath and report to the physician at the earliest notice of such findings.
- Watch out for any continuing or worsening signs and symptoms of infection, to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
- Complete the course of the antibiotic that it was prescribed for. Do not give up on the antibiotic, against your doctor’s recommendation, even if the symptoms of infection are controlled.
