Has your doctor told you that your heart condition is causing swelling in your hands, feet, or other parts of your body? You may have been told to take a medicine called Furosemide as an injection to reduce the swelling. Specifically, we are going to talk about a method of giving this medicine through a small device that is attached to the body (on-body infusor). This is a relatively new method, so you may have a lot of questions. Don't worry, let's explain everything simply.
What kind of medicine is Furosemide?
Simply put, Furosemide is a diuretic . It's also known as "water pills" among us. But it's given as an injection. This medicine works by stimulating your kidneys to expel excess water and salt from your body through urine.
Think about it, sometimes with heart conditions, our bodies start to accumulate unnecessary water. That water is what we see as swelling. What Furosemide does is remove that extra water from the body, reduce the swelling, and give you relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before you start treatment. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor about it and do not hide anything .
| Your situation or problem | Matter of concern |
|---|---|
| Dehydration, diarrhea, or vomiting | This medicine further reduces the amount of water in the body, so it can be dangerous if you are already dehydrated. |
| Kidney disease, difficulty urinating | Since the medicine works through the kidneys, the doctor must be aware of the functioning of the kidneys. |
| Liver disease | This medicine should be used with caution in cases of liver disease. |
| Imbalances in blood salt levels | If the levels of salts such as potassium and sodium in the blood are low or high, it should be reported. |
| Gout | This medicine can increase uric acid levels in the blood. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to Furosemide or sulfa drugs. |
| Being pregnant or breastfeeding | This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medication is given as an injection under the skin . The on-body infusor used is a small, automatic device that is attached to your body. This delivers the medication to your body at the right time, in the right amount.
You will be given detailed instructions at the hospital or clinic on how to use this device and how to prepare it. Follow those instructions exactly.
Very important: Never throw the used infusor or its lancet in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container that is designed to be easily removed. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about it.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you should, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Do not delay.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Furosemide can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal remedies, and even over-the-counter medications.
Some examples:
- Painkillers (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Some antibiotics
- Lithium (a medication for mental illness)
- Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease)
- Other blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medication
- Types of steroids (e.g. Prednisone)
- Thyroid hormones
This list may not be complete, so give your doctor a list of all the medications you take .
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: Your doctor will check you regularly. Attend clinics as directed. Also, don't skip blood tests if they are ordered.
- Blood Pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor what the normal range is and what to do if it changes.
- Blood sugar levels: This medication may slightly increase blood sugar levels in some people. Be especially careful if you already have diabetes.
- Avoid dehydration: This is the most important thing. This medicine causes your body to lose water, so you need to make sure you don't become dehydrated. Ask your doctor about how much water you should drink per day. Also tell your doctor if you are sweating a lot, have diarrhea, or are vomiting.
- Dizziness and blurred vision: Some people may experience mild dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting position. Therefore, be careful when getting out of bed or a chair. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can make this condition worse.
- Protect yourself from the sun: This medication may make your skin a little sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). So, limit your exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your body and use sunscreen.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Furosemide can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, headache, dark yellow/brown urine, and feeling lethargic. |
| Hearing changes | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Decreased potassium levels | Muscle twitching, weakness, irregular heartbeat. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Headache, dizziness, constipation, numbness in the limbs, redness or pain at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Furosemide is a medication that helps remove excess water from the body, reducing swelling caused by heart disease.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Drink enough water as your doctor recommends to prevent dehydration.
- Be aware of things like dizziness, blurred vision, etc. Change positions frequently.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, severe dehydration, or changes in hearing.
- Dispose of used needles and infusors safely, only in the sharps container provided for that purpose.
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