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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using amiodarone injection (Nexterone)?

Amiodarone injection is for use only in life-threatening situations. This medication has the potential to cause side effects that could be fatal, and you will receive your injection in a hospital setting.

You may continue to have side effects from amiodarone after you stop using it. It could take up to several months for the medicine to completely clear from your body.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to amiodarone or iodine, or if you have:

• certain serious heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker); or
• a history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint.

If possible before you receive amiodarone injection, tell your doctor if you have:

• breathing problems or lung disorder;
• liver disease;
• vision problems;
• high or low blood pressure;
• a thyroid disorder;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• if you have recently been ill with vomiting or diarrhea; or
• if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your chest.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use amiodarone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Amiodarone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while receiving this medication.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with amiodarone injection to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.

How is amiodarone injection given (Nexterone)?

Amiodarone is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting where your heart can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects. Amiodarone injection must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take from 48 to 96 hours or longer to complete. Amiodarone injection is often given directly into a large vein in the upper chest (central IV line).

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your thyroid and liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need eye exams and chest x-rays. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery (including laser eye surgery), tell the surgeon ahead of time that you have received amiodarone injection.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain thyroid tests, even after you stop using it. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received amiodarone injection.

After treatment with amiodarone injection, your doctor may switch you to a tablet form of this medication. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions for amiodarone oral.

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