Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking skelaxin as follows:
- Skelaxin is extensively metabolized in the liver and the inactive metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of skelaxin can be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, in individuals with history of compromised liver function, skelaxin must be used with caution and possible multiple dose adjustments. Periodical labs could be ordered for monitoring liver functions and watch for development of any toxicity symptoms with the medication. So, maintain compliance with follow-up physician appointments and any lab draws ordered. Be accommodative to the plan of dose changes to achieve an optimum response and prevent development of any undesired side-effects.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose, which can result in toxicity. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
- Skelaxin use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching. Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with skelaxin, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
- Notify your doctor of any unresolving muscle spasms, progressively worsening muscle pain and discomfort, compromised range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and any continuing or worsening unpleasant side-effects, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised.
