Flecainide (Tambocor®)

What is flecainide? What if you miss taking a dose? Flecainide is a medication that If it is almost time for you next dose, skip helps the heart beat regularly when you the dose you missed and just take your next have had abnormal heartbeats. scheduled dose. It is a member of a drug class called Never take two doses at the same time. anti-arrhythmics. Anti-arrhythmics help If you have questions about taking your control the disorganized electrical medications, or missed doses, contact your impulses that lead to irregular heart pharmacist or your health care provider. In rhythms. British Columbia, you can also call 8-1-1.

What is flecainide used for? Do not take any of the following without . Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter checking with your health care provider . Other irregular heart rhythms . Tobacco . St. John’s Wort . Herbal products . Chinese medicines How does flecianide help with . Other medicines you can buy at a abnormal heartbeats? pharmacy . “Converts” patients to sinus

(normal) rhythm Health Provider contact information: . Reduces episodes of irregular

rhythm . Reduces length of time in irregular rhythm To learn more about felcainide, go to the . Improves patient symptoms and HealthLinkBC web site (www.healthlinkbc.ca) quality of life or call 8-1-1.

How should I take my flecainide? Take this medication regularly, as Did you know? This medication is normally prescribed by your doctor. taken with another drug that is used to control Flecainide doses should be spaced your heart rate. evenly throughout the day and taken It can take several weeks, and sometimes with or without food. months, before you notice Do not stop taking flecainide without your heart rhythm improving and you instruction from your health care start feeling better. provider.

Common Side Effects If you get any of these side effects, talk with your health care provider about how best to deal with them. Most side effects improve with time. Contact your health care provider if any of these side effects do not go away or get worse. Dizziness/light-headedness Nausea Headache Trembling hands Blurred vision Tiredness

Rare but Reportable Side Effects Contact your health care provider if any of the following side effects occur. Shortness of breath New or worsening palpitations Fainting Chest pain or pressure Unexplained fever Swelling of legs or Skin rash sudden weight gain

Medication Tips This medication can sometimes cause Certain medications may interact dizziness or drowsiness; be careful when with flecainide including: driving or using hazardous machinery . HIV medications until you know how this medication . Hepatitis C medications affects you. . Certain antibiotics . Medications for seizures To lower the chance of feeling dizzy, rise . Medications for depression slowly from sitting or if you have been or psychosis lying down. This does not always mean the medications cannot be used If you have any other medical conditions, together. Your doctor may need are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is to adjust doses to ensure the important to tell your health care provider medications are safe and before starting medications. effective. This list does not include all possible drug Alcohol can impact both your medications interactions. Please check with and your health condition. You should your pharmacist before starting speak to your care provider about alcohol any new medication. use.