This leaflet answers some common questions about Medical Oxygen. It contains only some information, and does not take the place of talking to your doctor or appropriate healthcare professional. All medicines may assist you, but sometimes there are risks. Your doctor or healthcare professional has weighed up the risks of you using Medical Oxygen against the benefits they expect it will have for you. If you have any questions about using Medical Oxygen, ask your doctor. Keep this leaflet with you as you may want to read it again. What Medical Oxygen is used for?
Medical Oxygen is used for breathing, to treat or prevent oxygen deficiency. It is usually given by a doctor, anaesthetist, dentist, ambulance officer or nurse via a mask or nasal prongs. When directed by a doctor, Medical Oxygen can be used in your home. Medical Oxygen works by increasing uptake and concentrating oxygen in your tissues. Your doctor may prescribe Medical Oxygen for another purpose. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Medical Oxygen has been prescribed for you. This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription. Before you use Medical Oxygen When you must not use it
WARNING: MEDICAL OXYGEN BOOSTS BURNING AND MAY INCREASE THE CHANCE OF FIRE. DO NOT use Medical Oxygen if:
a. You are smoking. b. You are near open flames. c. You are cooking.
Do not use Medical Oxygen if the cylinder is damaged or has the tamper evident plastic seal removed. Before you start to use it
You must tell your doctor if: 1. You are a smoker.
2. You have had any reaction to Medical Oxygen therapy. 3. You have or have had any other health problems or medical conditions, including:
• Severe lung disease such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. 4. You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
5. You are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed. 6. Care should be taken when using Medical Oxygen because it is stored at high pressure in the gas cylinder. Medical Oxygen helps fires to start and burn. You MUST consider your safety in areas where oxygen can concentrate, as this increases the risk of fire. Please discuss this with your doctor if you have any questions.
Taking other medicines Advise your doctor if you are being treated with bleomycin or amiodarone (Cordarone X®). You must tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. If you have a dry nose or other problems, please speak to your chemist or doctor. DO NOT use petroleum jelly (Vaseline® ) or any other products around your nose, on or near the equipment. How to use Medical Oxygen
Medical Oxygen should only be used under the supervision of your doctor or healthcare professional. How much to use and how to use it The amount of Medical Oxygen you need will be decided by your doctor. It is given by breathing it through a mask or nasal prongs. If you are elderly or have lung problems, you may need a lesser amount of Medical Oxygen. Your doctor will decide this for you. Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully, and do not modify the flow of Medical Oxygen. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor for help.
How long to use it?
Your doctor will decide how long you need to use Medical Oxygen. If you use too much (overdose)
As Medical Oxygen is given to you under the supervision of your doctor, anaesthetist, ambulance officer, dentist or nurse, it is very unlikely you will receive an overdose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. After you have used Medical Oxygen
Things you must not do You must not smoke, or be near naked flames such as candles, gas stoves etc or sources of fire such as matches or lighters. Side effects
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Medical Oxygen. If you experience being sleepy all the time, you may be suffering from over administration. Contact your doctor for advice.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following and they worry you: • Soreness in the chest with dry cough or any breathing difficulties. • Problems with eyesight • Dry nose, mouth or sore ears • Nausea
These side effects are usually mild. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
• Breathing problems • Convulsions
These are serious side effects and you may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare. If any of the above happens, tell your doctor immediately or go to casualty at your nearest hospital Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Ask your doctor if you don’t understand anything in this list. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. After using Medical Oxygen Storage
Medical Oxygen is stored as a compressed gas in cylinders by your doctor, dentist, ambulance, hospital or at your home. Be sure not to store the cylinders in small, closed spaces. Disposal
All cylinders are the property of BOC. Empty cylinders are to be returned to the manufacturer. Product Description
What it looks like
Medical Oxygen is an odourless, colourless gas supplied in cylinders with a black body and white shoulder, or in an all white fibre wrapped cylinder. Cylinder gas volumes, litres at 101.3kPa 15oC, include: 490L - “C”, 630L - “CD”, 1640L - “D”, 4100L - “E”, 8300L - “G” Ingredients
Oxygen – 99.5 % v/v min Manufacturer/Distributor/Supplier
BOC Medical Riverside Corporate Park 10 Julius Ave. North Ryde NSW 2113 AUST R 34468 (Compressed oxygen) This leaflet was prepared on 14 March 2008.
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Medical Oxygen 99.5%