Patient Counselling
Patients should be carefully informed as to report immediately any subjective early signs of liver damage, bone marrow damage, serious infection, life-threatening skin reactions, and interstitial lung disease to their physician. This is particularly important for the interval between laboratory examinations. When counselling, firstly identify yourself to the patient and ensure that the name of the medication they are using is provided. Then state the purpose of the medication, common side effects and how to avoid or manage these side effects, the benefits of using therapy, any precautions, the correct dose and way to use a delivery device (if appropriate), ways to self monitor, storage and what to do if a dose is missed. Also be sure to check whether they are taking any other medications which may interact with this medication, whether prescription, OTC (over the counter) or alternative therapies. Actively listen to what the patient says and ensure that you summarise points to confirm that you have heard them correctly.
Read more about this topic: Leflunomide
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