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MEDICAL LIQUID OXYGEN - Patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

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Patient leaflet - MEDICAL LIQUID OXYGEN

Medical Liquid Oxygen

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start to use this medicine.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
  • If you have further questions, please ask your doctor or your pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you personally and you should not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
  • 1. What Medical Liquid Oxygen is and what it is used for.

  • 2. Before you use Medical Liquid Oxygen.

  • 3. How to use Medical Liquid Oxygen.

  • 4. Possible side effects.

  • 5. Storing Medical Liquid Oxygen.

The name of your medicine is Medical Liquid Oxygen. Medical Liquid Oxygen is supplied as a pure gas containing only oxygen. It does not contain any other ingredients.

1. what is medical liquid oxygen and what it is used for.

Medical Liquid Oxygen is an inhalation gas (a gas that is breathed in). It is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It is supplied as a liquid gas (at very low temperatures) in a cryogenic vessel.

Oxygen is essential for life. Oxygen breathed in with air goes into your lungs where it is taken into your blood. The blood carries the oxygen to all your body tissues. The tissues take the oxygen from the blood so that they can work properly.

If, for any reason, you are not getting enough oxygen into your blood from your lungs you may be given Medical Liquid Oxygen to breathe to increase the level of oxygen in your body tissues. You will be able to breathe more easily.

Medical Liquid Oxygen is used when you are not getting enough oxygen into your body through the lungs due to lung disease or damage or when you have breathing difficulties.

It is used in the treatment of cluster headaches and other conditions where localised blood supply is poor.

It is used with anaesthetics during surgery and for artificial ventilation in intensive care after surgery or following an accident.

It is used as a propellant for inhaling other medicines in nebuliser treatment.

It may be used in pressure chambers to reduce the risk of damage as a result of gas bubbles in the blood vessels or if there is gas trapped in body spaces. When the oxygen carrying ability of the blood is reduced such as in the case of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. It may also be used as part of the treatment of gas gangrene (damage to soft tissue caused by bacterial infection)

2. before you use medical liquid oxygen

Do not smoke or allow those near you to smoke during treatment with Medical Liquid Oxygen.

Oxygen helps things burn. Oxygen can cling to fabrics. Smoking during oxygen treatment has proved fatal (due to fire and burns) to more than one patient.

Do not allow naked flames near you when you are using your Medical Liquid Oxygen.

Unless specially advised to by your doctor to do so, do not use Medical Liquid Oxygen:

  • If you are taking or have recently taken amiodarone
  • If you are taking or have recently taken bleomycin (a drug for cancer)
  • If you have chronic severe airways disease.

Take special care with Medical Liquid Oxygen

If you suffer from a chronic lung disease you should only receive a carefully monitored dose of Medical Liquid Oxygen – Carefully follow your doctor’s instruc­tions.

If Medical Liquid Oxygen is being used for a premature infant, the infant should only receive a carefully monitored dose of oxygen. – Carefully follow the doctor’s instruc­tions

Although Medical Liquid Oxygen may be necessary for the treatment of patients with lung damage due to poisons such as paraquat, it may worsen the lung injury.

A slowing down in your breathing caused by drinking alcohol may be made worse by the use of Medical Liquid Oxygen

Pregnancy

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Medical Liquid Oxygen can be used if you are pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Medical Liquid Oxygen can be used if you are breast- feeding.

Driving and using machines.

The use of Medical Liquid Oxygen will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you are using oxygen continuously your doctor should assess your ability to drive and you are advised to notify your insurance company. If you take your Medical Liquid Oxygen into your workplace you should advise your local health and safety officer so that all required safety precautions can be taken.

Using other medicines.

Interactions with other medicines are unlikely when Medical Liquid Oxygen in used as directed.

Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken any other medicine – even those not prescribed.

3. how to use medical liquid oxygen

Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Do not stop treatment or change your treatment without consulting your doctor first.

You will normally use Medical Liquid Oxygen by breathing the gas in through nasal prongs or through a mask. The nasal prongs or mask are connected to the Medical Liquid Oxygen via specialised equipment that you will be supplied with.

Only use the equipment supplied to you for use with your Medical Liquid Oxygen

Always follow the instructions for use for the equipment. You should only use the flow rate that your doctor has instructed you to use.

All equipment used with the Medical Liquid Oxygen should be kept clean and dry. Do not use oil or grease on any equipment that is used with Medical Liquid Oxygen.

Take care with the use and handling of Medical Liquid Oxygen as contact with Liquid Medical Oxygen can cause cold burns.

Do not attempt to repair any equipment supplied to you for use with Medical Liquid Oxygen. Contact Air Liquide to arrange the repair of any faulty containers.

Other systems that may be used to administer Medical Liquid Oxygen will be only used to give you oxygen under the direct supervision of attendant and suitably trained medical personnel.

The concentration of oxygen used in your treatment will depend on the condition it is being used to treat.

Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with Medical Liquid Oxygen will last.

If you forgot to use Medical Liquid Oxygen

Take your Medical Liquid Oxygen as soon as you remember, do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten treatment.

If you use more Medical Liquid Oxygen than you should:

If you may have used more Medical Liquid Oxygen than you should, talk to a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

It is very unlikely that an overdose will occur.

Using 100% oxygen continuously for more than a day may produce chest pain, a dry cough and may also cause breathlessness. Such a concentration is only likely to be achieved using specialised hospital equipment.

4. possible side effects

Like all medicines Medical Liquid Oxygen can have side effects.

If Medical Liquid Oxygen is used at high concentration (greater than 40%) for a prolonged period of time (more than 2 days) then lung damage can occur. Symptoms of lung damage include shortness of breath and chest discomfort.

In newborn and premature infants treatment with oxygen at concentrations over 40% can damage eye sight and may be associated with damage to other organs. These conditions have more than one cause and can occur even in the absence of oxygen therapy:

If you receive Medical Liquid Oxygen in a pressure chamber (hyperbaric oxygen treatment), you can suffer from ruptured ear drums, sinus pain, passing muscle pain. This treatment can also have effects on the central nervous system, which could lead to nausea, dizziness, agitation, confusion, muscle twitching, unconsciousness and epileptic seizures. The higher the pressure within the chamber the earlier these symptoms will be seen.

If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet please inform your doctor or your pharmacist.

  • 5. STORAGE OF MEDICAL LIQUID OXYGEN

  • Keep Medical Liquid Oxygen out of the reach and sight of children.

Medical Liquid Oxygen containers should be stored:

  • in a well ventilated place,
  • under cover
  • kept clean and dry.
  • where they will not be exposed to extremes of temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medical liquid oxygen used for?

Medical liquid oxygen is primarily used for patients who have low oxygen levels in their blood. It helps to ensure that they receive enough oxygen for their respiratory needs.

How does medical liquid oxygen work?

Medical liquid oxygen works by providing a concentrated source of oxygen that can be inhaled. This helps to increase the amount of oxygen available to the lungs and, subsequently, to the body's tissues.

Is medical liquid oxygen safe to use at home?

Yes, medical liquid oxygen can be safely used at home under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It's important to follow all safety instructions provided.

Can I travel with medical liquid oxygen?

Yes, you can travel with medical liquid oxygen. However, it's essential to check with your healthcare provider and the airline about their specific policies regarding medical oxygen.

How should medical liquid oxygen be stored?

Medical liquid oxygen should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials and heat sources. Always follow storage guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Are there any side effects of using medical liquid oxygen?

While generally safe, some users may experience dryness in the nose or throat. Rarely, high concentrations of oxygen can lead to lung irritation.

What happens if I forget to use my medical liquid oxygen?

If you forget to use your medical liquid oxygen, you may experience symptoms related to low oxygen levels such as shortness of breath or fatigue. It's important to resume use as prescribed.

Can children use medical liquid oxygen?

Yes, children can use medical liquid oxygen if prescribed by a healthcare provider. Dosage and usage will be tailored according to their specific needs.

How do I know how much medical liquid oxygen I need?

The amount of medical liquid oxygen you need is determined by your healthcare provider based on your individual health condition and blood oxygen levels.

Can I use other forms of supplemental oxygen with medical liquid oxygen?

You should only use other forms of supplemental oxygen if directed by your healthcare provider, as they will determine the best approach for your treatment.

What should I do if my medical liquid oxygen tank runs out unexpectedly?

If your tank runs out unexpectedly, remain calm and seek help immediately from a caregiver or healthcare professional. Make sure you have a backup supply at home.

Can I smoke while using medical liquid oxygen?

No, smoking while using medical liquid oxygen is extremely dangerous and can lead to fire hazards or explosions. It is crucial to avoid smoking completely.

Do I need a prescription for medical liquid oxygen?

Yes, a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider is required to obtain medical liquid oxygen for therapeutic use.

How often do I need to refill my medical liquid oxygen tank?

The frequency of refills depends on your usage and the size of the tank. Your healthcare provider can give you an estimate based on your daily needs.

Is it normal for my skin to feel cold when using medical liquid oxygen?

Yes, it is normal for your skin to feel cold due to the low temperature of the gas. Just ensure that you are not experiencing any unusual discomfort.

Can other people around me use my medical liquid oxygen supply?

No, your medical liquid oxygen supply is specifically prescribed for you only and should not be shared with others.

How can I tell if my lungs are getting enough oxygen while using this treatment?

You can monitor your symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue; however, regular check-ups with your doctor are necessary for accurate monitoring through blood tests or pulse oximetry.

What precautions should I take when handling medical liquid oxygen equipment?

Always handle equipment with care; avoid contact with flammable materials; keep tanks upright; and never attempt repairs yourself. Follow all safety guidelines provided by your supplier.

Will using medical liquid oxygen improve my quality of life?

Many patients report an improved quality of life thanks to better breathing capacity and increased energy levels when using medical liquid oxygen as prescribed.