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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)?

Amiodarone 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 first few doses in a hospital setting.

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

Do not use 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 you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking amiodarone, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma or another 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); or
• if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your chest.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use amiodarone without telling your doctor 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. Do not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)?

You will receive your first few doses of amiodarone in a hospital setting where your heart can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

You may take amiodarone with or without food but take it the same way every time.

It is important to use amiodarone regularly to get the most benefit. Keep using this medication even if you feel fine or have no symptoms. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your thyroid and liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need eye exams and chest x-rays. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery (including laser eye surgery), tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using amiodarone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain thyroid tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using amiodarone.

Store amiodarone at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.

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