HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
February 5, 2014
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of lithium. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Lithium may reduce mental or physical abilities. Avoid activities that require alertness, such as operating vehicles or machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.
Fluid intake and diet: The level of lithium in the blood is directly affected by the intake of fluid and salt, so it is important to maintain a normal diet, including adequate salt and fluid intake (2,500 mL to 3,000 mL). You should try to avoid making large changes to your diet that would affect your salt and fluid intake. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate amounts of fluid and salt to take.
Heart disease: People with heart disease should discuss with their doctor how Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severe heart disease should not take lithium citrate (see "Who should NOT take Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate)?")
Kidney Disease: People with kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Long-term lithium treatment is frequently associated with a decrease in kidney function as well as symptoms of thirst, excess urination, and weight gain. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Lab tests: Side effects resulting from lithium are closely related to the level of lithium in the blood. The side effects can occur at doses that are close to the normal dose required for your body to respond. You will probably need to have regular blood tests while taking Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate), so your doctor can monitor the blood levels of lithium.
Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate) suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause a manic episode or other withdrawal symptoms.
Thyroid disease: People with thyroid disease should discuss with their doctor how Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Long-term lithium treatment is sometimes associated with the development of growths in the thyroid gland. Contact your doctor if you develop a swelling in the neck.
Pregnancy: Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking lithium citrate, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Pms Lithium Citrate (Lithium-citrate) have not been established for children under 12 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors appear to be more likely to experience side effects when taking lithium, even if the blood levels are appropriate. Lower doses may be necessary to avoid these effects.
