ABOUT ME

• Driver’s License or State ID
• Referral (If Required by Insurer)
• Insurance Information
• Copies of Operation Records, Medical Records, X-rays, MRIs, and CT Scans from Prior Doctor Visits
• A List of Current Medications and Any Known Allergies

Recent reports in the medical literature suggest that people who have had a total joint replacement are at slightly increased risk of developing an infection in their joint when an infection occurs elsewhere in the body. For example, an abscessed tooth, bladder infection, pneumonia, or others might result in bacteria being released into the bloodstream which could infect your total joint, long after the surgical procedure took place.

This is extremely unlikely and is certainly no cause for alarm, but the problem has been reported more frequently as more total joint procedures are done in the general population. Following the latest protocols, Dr. Mittal’s patients have a 10x less chance of infection as compared to the national average. Nevertheless, we recommend that you should take antibiotics anytime you have an infection, or have an increased risk of infection, such as when you undergo any dental procedure, sigmoidoscopy, any infection, tonsillectomy, genitourinary instrumentation, bronchoscopy, liver biopsy, or barium enema. We do not recommend antibiotics when you have a simple cut or bruise; but if there is any question, we simply ask that you bring this to the attention of the doctor involved in caring for you at that time.

Always take the amount of medicine your doctor prescribes. DO NOT take more, less, or stop this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Obtain refills (when indicated) before running out. DO NOT miss a dose. While taking this medicine, your doctor will order periodic blood tests to watch the drug’s effects.

PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING THIS DRUG:

• Do not take any other medicine (including Aspirin, Bufferin, Excedrin, Alka Seltzer, BC or Goody Powders) unless directed by your doctor.
• While taking this drug, you should wear a “medical alert” tag. Medical alert tags may be purchased at a drug store.
• Before any surgery, tell your dentist or other doctors that you are taking an anticoagulant.
• You must also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while on this drug.
• Avoid activities that may cause injury (contact sports, chopping wood, etc.).
• Always wear shoes to avoid injury and wear gloves while doing yard work.
• Be cautious while shaving or using sharp objects. Use a soft bristled toothbrush.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Try NOT to miss doses.
• If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you can
• If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose.
• DO NOT take double doses, and DO NOT take two doses in one day unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to; this can increase the risk of bleeding.
• If you miss a dose, record the date of the missed dose and tell your prescriber or health care professional at your next visit.
• If you miss doses for two or more days, call your doctor for instructions.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

Call your doctor if the following symptoms persist or are severe:

• Unusual bruising or bleeding from nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum
• Bloody or black colored vomit or stools
• Stomach or back pain
• Dizziness

Other side effects or long-term effects may occur in some patients. REPORT any unusual responses to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

REMEMBER TO:

• Have prescriptions filled on the day of discharge and take as directed.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for additional drug information.
• Ask your retail pharmacist for additional drug information.
• Notify your doctor if you may be pregnant or are breast-feeding.
• Talk to your case manager if you cannot afford to have this prescription filled.

A Physician Assistant is a highly-trained, licensed individual who assists the physician in both the office and the operating room. A Physician Assistant works under the supervision of a physician to examine, diagnose and treat patients; becoming an important link between the patient and the doctor.

A Nurse Practitioner is a Master’s prepared, highly-trained, licensed individual who assists the physician to provide quality healthcare in the office and operating room. The U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment says, “Nurse Practitioners provide care whose quality is equivalent to that of care provided by physicians.”