Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Versed as follows:
- Avoid taking Versed with grapefruit juice, as it can also inhibit the enzymes needed for the metabolism of Versed. Concurrent administration of grapefruit juice with versed can inhibit the metabolism of versed. Thus, versed stays in the body for prolonged duration of time in comparison to normal and stand the risk of causing toxicity.
- Some medications, such as, phenytoin and carbamazepine, induce the enzymes needed for the metabolism of Versed. Concurrent administration of these medications with Versed can quicken the metabolism of versed and clear the medication out of the body quicker. Thus, versed stays in the body for shorter duration of time in comparison to normal and results in compromised therapeutic benefit.
- If you are being newly started on Versed, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with Versed. Also, if you have been taking Versed for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of Versed intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Versed is extensively metabolized in the liver and the metabolites are excreted in the urine. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Versed can be compromised. In individuals with history of compromised renal function, the excretion of versed metabolites can be compromised. In either case, versed and metabolites stay in the body for prolonged duration of time in comparison to normal leading to increased blood levels of the medication and metabolites for longer periods of time. This can lead to increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, Versed could be cautiously administered or avoided for an alternative medication, in individuals with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction. Periodical labs for liver and/or renal function could be ordered and individuals monitored for development of any toxic symptoms. Discuss with your physician regarding history of compromised liver or kidney function, if any.
