Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Sarafem as follows: Sarafem use, especially on empty stomach, can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of Sarafem with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication. Sarafem use can induce extreme diarrhea. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake and rehydration measures [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Sarafem as follows: Sarafem can interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking Sarafem along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Sarafem is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Sarafem [...]

Sarafem use, especially along with a few other antidepressants, such as, imipramine, citalopram, and sertraline, can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body and lead to development of serotonin syndrome. Caution must be exercised even when discontinuing on any of the above mentioned antidepressant medications with potential to increase serotonin levels and starting on Sarafem, by observing a window period of atleast 2 weeks, before the transition to Sarafem is made. Using Sarafem with [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Sarafem as follows: Sarafem can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on Sarafem, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with Sarafem. Also, if you have been taking Sarafem for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of Sarafem intake, when you are being started on any [...]

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. [...]