WHAT IS Pacerone/Amiodarone?

Pacerone/AMIODARONE is an antiarrhythmic drug. It helps make your heart beat regularly. Because of the side effects caused by this medicine, it is only used when other medicines have not worked. It is usually used for heartbeat problems that may be life threatening. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Pacerone/Amiodarone?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• unusual or uncontrolled movements of body
• pain, tingling, numbness in feet, hands
• intolerance to heat or cold
• feeling faint or light-headed
• unusually weak or tired
• chest pain
• stomach pain
• pain and swelling of the scrotum
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• weight gain or loss
• dark urine
• breathing problems
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• nausea or vomiting
• spitting up blood

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision, seeing blue green halos, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• blue gray coloring of the skin
• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you 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 or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Pacerone/Amiodarone?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• lung disease
• breast-feeding
• liver disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Pacerone/amiodarone, iodine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• other heart problems

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Pacerone/Amiodarone?

Your condition will be monitored closely when you first begin therapy. Often, this drug is first started in a hospital or other monitored health care setting. Once you are on maintenance therapy, visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because your condition and use of this medicine carry some risk, it is a good idea to carry an identification card, necklace or bracelet with details of your condition, medications, and doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

You should have regular eye exams before and during treatment. Call your doctor if you have blurred vision, see halos, or your eyes become sensitive to light. Your eyes may get dry. It may be helpful to use a lubricating eye solution or artificial tears solution.

If you are going to have surgery or a procedure that requires contrast dyes, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Pacerone/Amiodarone?

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of the reach of children.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Pacerone/Amiodarone?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• levomethadyl
• Geodon/ziprasidone
• phenothiazines like Thorazine/chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, and Mellaril/thioridazine
• maprotiline
• probucol
• sertindole
• methadone
• apomorphine
• arsenic trioxide
• medicines to control heart rhythm like disopyramide, dofetilide, ibutilide, propafenone, and Betapace/sotalol
• ranolazine
• certain macrolide antibiotics
• Asendin/amoxapine
• haloperidol
• red yeast rice
• pentamidine
• cisapride
• certain quinolone antibiotics
• droperidol
• medicines for mental depression such as tricyclic antidepressants
• mibefradil
• Levitra/vardenafil
• abarelix
• hawthorn
• medicines for malaria like chloroquine and halofantrine
• pimozide

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• medicines to lower cholesterol such as Lipitor/atorvastatin, cerivastatin, Altocor/lovastatin, or Vytorin/simvastatin
• Phoslo/calcium channel blockers
• St. John's Wort
• procainamide
• cholestyramine
• flecainide
• medicines for seizures such as Dilantin/phenytoin
• quinidine
• grapefruit juice
• diuretics
• medicines for fungal infections like Nizoral/ketoconazole, Diflucan/fluconazole, and Sporanox/itraconazole
• medicines for thyroid problems
• medicines for HIV, AIDS
• Digitek/digoxin
• fluindione
• Coumadin/warfarin
• dextromethorphan
• beta blockers
• cimetidine
• Rheumatrex/methotrexate
• Claritin/loratadine
• Plavix/clopidogrel
• Gengraf/cyclosporine
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• fentanyl
• lidocaine
• Desyrel/trazodone
• general anesthetics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

HOW SHOULD I USE Pacerone/Amiodarone?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. However, you should always take it the same way each time. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.