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Some patients taking lithium have been harmed because they have not had their dosage adjusted based on recommended regular blood tests. If patients are not informed of the known side effects or symptoms of toxicity, they cannot manage their lithium therapy safely.
Regular blood tests are important. Clinically significant alterations in lithium blood levels occur with commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. The blood level of lithium is dependent on kidney function and lithium has the potential to interfere with kidney (renal) and thyroid functions.
All healthcare organisations in the NHS where lithium therapy is initiated, prescribed, dispensed and monitored are asked to ensure that by 31 December 2010:
* The NPSA has developed a patient information booklet, lithium alert card and record book for tracking blood tests.