pharmacists Key to counseling and Monitoring Patients Transitioning to Low-Sodium Oxybate
Pharmacists are vital members of the healthcare team in supporting patients transitioning to low-sodium oxybate, according to Richard Kovacs, MD. Their role extends beyond dispensing medication to include crucial education and monitoring, particularly given the potential impact on cardiovascular health.
Dr. Kovacs emphasized the importance of pharmacists recognizing the “whole picture” of a patient’s health, including existing cardiovascular risks and other treatments.This allows them to reinforce counseling regarding sodium reduction and diligent blood pressure monitoring to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
A key safety consideration during the transition is blood pressure. while the XYLO study revealed no major safety concerns beyond potential hypotension or symptomatic hypotension, pharmacists shoudl be alert to patient reports of these issues. Monitoring for hypotension and reinforcing adherence to the new medication regimen are crucial for a safe transition.
The findings align with national efforts to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, a growing concern in the United States. Dr. Kovacs noted that hypertension is often ”unrecognized, untreated, or uncontrolled,” making any intervention to lower cardiovascular risk beneficial.he specifically highlighted the increased cardiovascular risk faced by individuals with narcolepsy - a risk that is “2-to-3-fold higher” then in the general population – necessitating even greater attention to preventative measures.
“We want to do everything we can to reduce those risks, and certainly sodium intake is a well-recognized and treatable, fixable problem in these patients to help lower cardiovascular risk,” Dr. Kovacs stated.Pharmacists, thus, play a critical role in addressing sodium exposure and improving cardiovascular outcomes for this patient population.
