Abstract
Here, we report a case in which a home – visit pharmacist observed the adverse effects of drugs in a patient with lifestyle – related diseases and heart failure. In April 2018, we evaluated the relationship between side effects of drugs that require particularly careful administration and chief complaints in a 85-year-old female patient. The results indicated the presence of insomnia, knee pain, early morning hypertension, loss of appetite, bradycardia, and edema of the lower limbs. The blood digoxin concentration was in the toxic range, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 160–200 mmHg, and the heart rate (HR) was 40–50 bpm. We suggested discontinuation to the physician, who accepted the proposal. In May 2018, SBP decreased to 120–130 mmHg, HR was to 60–70 bpm, and the appetite returned to normal. In August 2018, tachycardia (110 bpm) occurred and therefore verapamil was administered additionally. The pharmacist provided information regarding the state of breath sounds, lower limb edema, body weight, blood pressure, and HR. to the physician. As a result, tachycardia disappeared and loxoprofen was discontinued. Since evaluation of potential side effects is difficult for non-medical caregivers, it is important for pharmacists to intervene and provide information to physicians.
