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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking flecainide (Tambocor)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flecainide, or if you have certain heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

Before using flecainide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• congestive heart failure;
• a heart condition called "sick sinus syndrome";
• an electrolyte imbalance;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• if you have a pacemaker; or
• if you have had a heart attack within the past 2 years.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use flecainide.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Flecainide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take flecainide (Tambocor)?

You will need to receive your first few doses of flecainide in a hospital setting in case the medication causes serious side effects. Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart.

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

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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

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