Patient Medication Guide for Dialysis Patients with Kidney Failure

Most patients with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis need to take multiple medications continuously. Therefore, patients should be aware of the indications or benefits of each medication, the correct way to use the medication, medication storage, precautions for medication use, as well as common adverse drug reactions that may occur. Informing patients about possible adverse drug reactions is not intended to make them afraid of side effects and reluctant to take their medications, but to enable them to observe any abnormalities that occur and report them to doctors, pharmacists, and dialysis unit staff. This allows for joint consideration of whether the symptoms are caused by the medication and to find solutions accordingly. However, patients may experience other less common abnormalities not mentioned here, which should also be reported. Additionally, taking multiple medications together may cause drug interactions. Knowing about possible drug interactions helps to avoid using certain drugs together or, if necessary, to monitor and watch for potential effects. Cooperation in taking medications and following recommendations is very important. Patients should participate in their own care and treatment monitoring to gain the maximum benefit and minimize adverse effects from medication use.

Summary of Medication Use Recommendations for Kidney Disease Patients

1. Patients should know the names of their medications and study the indications and usage instructions. If the patient becomes ill and seeks treatment at other healthcare facilities, they should inform the doctors, pharmacists, or nursing staff working in the dialysis unit about the medications they are taking and the dosages.
2. Do not use medications, vitamins, or dietary supplements on your own without advice from a doctor or pharmacist, as this may cause interactions with the medications you are receiving or lead to accumulation of substances that could harm the body.
3. If the patient cannot take the recommended dosage for any reason, they should always inform the doctor and pharmacist. Do not adjust the dosage by yourself to prevent confusion in evaluating medication effectiveness.
4. Always observe yourself after any medication or dosage changes. If any abnormalities occur that you suspect may be related to the medication, inform the doctor, pharmacist, or nursing staff in the dialysis unit immediately. If it is confirmed that any medication you are taking causes adverse effects or harm, you should remember or record the medication name along with the abnormalities to prevent taking that medication again.
5. If you have any questions about the medications, such as reasons for changes in the medication plan, monitoring medication effects, or common adverse reactions, you can ask the doctors and pharmacists working in the dialysis unit.

Dialysis Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital, 14th Floor, Building A, Tel. 02-617-2444 ext. 1683, 1684