Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TOCAINIDE - ORAL

(toe-CANE-ide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tonocard

WARNING: This medication has caused severe, even fatal, lung problems (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), and blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression). Lung problems have occurred more often in severely ill people. Blood disorders often appear during the first 12 weeks of use. Tell your doctor if you already have a blood disorder or bone marrow problem. Stop using this drug and notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores), easy bruising or bleeding, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. Your doctor will monitor you and test your blood counts for the first 3 months of therapy and often thereafter.

Uses

This medication is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.

How To Use

This is best taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, but may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. This medication works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication or change the dose without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Side Effects

Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, headache, sweating, blurred vision, numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes, confusion or nervousness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, rash, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, coughing, persistent sore throat, fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Be sure your doctor or dentist knows your complete medical history, especially of: scheduled medical or dental procedures. Because this medication may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some people, make sure you know how you react to this drug before driving or operating machinery. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: beta- blockers (e.g., propranolol), cimetidine, rifampin, other drugs used for heart problems. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and seizures.

Notes

Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take this medication. Learn how to monitor your pulse. To evaluate the effectiveness of this medication, your doctor may periodically take a blood sample to measure the amount of the drug in your body. Tests such as chest x-ray, eye exams or electrocardiogram (EKG) may also be done. Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).