Flecainide Acetate Coupon & Discounts

Flecainide Acetate Information:

• What

What is flecainide acetate?

Flecainide acetate is a class 1C antiarrhythmic drug which is available in tablet form in strengths of 50mg, 100mg, or 150mg doses.  Because it has been shown to create new or worsen existing rhythm problems, flecainide acetate should only be used in patients with serious rhythm problems. Used to prevent irregular heartbeats and to prevent life-threatening ventricular tachycardia, flecainide acetate works directly on the heart tissue by limiting the flow of sodium, slowing the nerve impulses in the heart, and, in turn, regulating the heart rhythm. 

• How

How do I take flecainide acetate?

Flecainide acetate is taken by mouth with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food. It is imperative that your doses be taken at regular intervals. You should follow the directions on your prescription label and not take any more or less than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking flecainide acetate, as it may result in serious heart-related effects. If your doctor advises a lower dosage, s/he may do so over time to avoid the serious side effects.

Flecainide acetate should be initiated in-hospital with rhythm monitoring. The recommended starting dosage is 50mg every 12 hours. Doses may be increased in increments of 50mg every four days until efficacy is achieved. Patients with sustained VT may receive a maximum dose of 400mg per day. Once the arrhythmia is under control, doctors may decide to reduce dosage to minimize side effects.

Because particular foods can affect the absorption of flecainide acetate, this medicine should be taken one hour before meals. You should check your blood pressure or pulse rate on a regular basis, ensuring that you remain in your safe zone as discussed with your health care practitioner.

• Precautions

Before taking flecainide acetate, tell your doctor if:

• You have any food or medication allergies.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
•  You have an AV block with no pacemaker.
• You have a bundle branch block with no pacemaker.
• You have experienced cardiogenic shock.
• You have chronic atrial fibrillation.
• You have had a recent heart attack.
• You have heart disease or congestive heart failure.
• You have sick sinus syndrome.
• You have an electrolyte imbalance.
• You have kidney or liver disease
• You have a permanent pacemaker.
• You are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medications.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking flecainide acetate?

Individuals may experience different side effects depending on the dose taken, external variables, and general health. Side effects and their level of experience should be reported immediately to your health care practitioner. Common symptoms include difficult or labored breathing; dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness; fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse; shortness of breath; tightness in the chest and wheezing. Less common side effects include burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, or tingling feelings; chest pain; fainting; feelings of warmth; fever or increased sweating; partial or slight paralysis; redness of the face, neck, arms, or upper chest; shakiness in the legs, arms, hands or feet, or unsteady walk; swelling of the feet or lower legs; trembling or shaking of the hands or feet; or problems with muscle control or coordination. Although rare, some patients may experience arm, back or jaw pain; black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; blood in the urine or stools; blurred vision; chills; confusion; convulsions; cough; decrease in the frequency of urination, in urine volume, or in passing urine; painful or difficult urination; difficulty breathing; nausea; nervousness; noisy breathing; pinpoint red spots on the skin; pounding in the ears; sore throat; sores, ulcers or white spots on the lips or in the mouth; stabbing pains; sweating; swollen glands; thickening of bronchial secretions; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; and yellowing eyes or skin.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of flecainide acetate?

Should you miss a dose of flecainide acetate, take it as soon as you remember.  If you are near the time in which you would normally take your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not take double doses.

• Storage

How do I store flecainide acetate?

Flecainide acetate should be stored in the container in which it came or in a tightly closed container at room temperature, in a dry place away from heat and direct light. Do not store this medication in your bathroom.  This medication should be kept away from children, and you should ask your pharmacist how to dispose of any unused or expired medication.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on flecainide acetate?

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services as 911. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, cardiac failure, cardiac arrest, and death.

• Additional Info

Warnings

Flecainide acetate presents a high risk of life-threatening reactions under certain conditions. The balance of risk and benefit should be carefully discussed and examined between you and your doctor. Flecainide acetate should not be taken by patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Over the long term, flecainide acetate appears to be safe in patients with a healthy heart and no remaining signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease, or heart failure.

Brand Names

Flecainide acetate went off-patent in 2004 and is currently sold under the name Tambocor, manufactured by 3M Pharmaceuticals. It is also available under the names Almarytm, Apocard, Ecrinal and Flecaine. Take advantage of our free printable coupon to save 52% of the cost of flecainide acetate. Also search for coupons for other brand names and check discounts.