Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Sarafem as follows:
Other constitutional side-effects
- Individuals taking Sarafem can also present with sexual dysfunctions, such as, compromised interest in sex, difficulty attaining and maintaining erection, and/or difficulty having an orgasm.
Metabolic side-effects
- Sarafem can inhibit enzyme systems in the liver that are needed for the metabolism of dietary nutrients and various other medications. Inhibition of these enzymes systems can result in slowing of overall metabolism. Slowed metabolism of medications can result in increased blood levels of these medications for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity due to these medications. Discuss with your physician regarding your list of medications, both current and any new, and the possibility of slowed metabolism of any of them secondary to Sarafem intake, with consequent increased risk for side-effects and toxicity.
- Sarafem intake by diabetic individuals can result in poor blood sugar control and episodes of hypoglycemia. Diabetic individuals taking Sarafem can present with episodes of confusion, extreme hunger, anxiety spells, fatigue, and loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemic episodes in diabetic individuals taking Sarafem must be reported to the physician for any possible consideration of dose change on anti-diabetic medications.
