Patient was educated on the side effects of using Meropenem as follows:
- Fluid retention and unusual weight gain
- Some forms of Meropenem have sodium content in them, which can result in fluid retention and unusual weight gain in individuals taking them.
- Hepatic damage
- Long term Meropenem intake can lead to hepatic injury, thus compromising liver function.
- A part of the Meropenem given IV is metabolized by the liver.
- Hepatic injury and altered liver function can result in increased bilirubin levels in the body, resulting in itching, jaundice with yellowing of skin and sclera, dark urine, altered metabolism with nausea and vomiting, pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant, and fatigue.
- Also, compromised liver function can lead to reduced metabolism of Meropenem and increased blood levels for longer duration, leading to toxicity.
- Renal damage
- Long term Meropenem intake can lead to renal damage, thus compromising kidney function.
- Renal injury and altered kidney function can result in increased creatinine levels in the body, accumulation of other wastes resulting in altered levels of consciousness, and reduced urine formation.
- Skin rash
- Meropenem intake can result in skin rash ranging between mild to severe exfoliating rash and blisters.
