Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Sarafem as follows:
- 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 food and dietary nutrients with Sarafem can result in symptoms of indigestion, such as, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn, and bloating. 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. Report to your physician regarding any worsening symptoms of indigestion, for any appropriate relief measures to be considered.
- 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 appropriate consideration of dose change on anti-diabetic medications, to prevent development of any such hypoglycemic episodes.
