TONOCARD

Drug Name: TONOCARD

TONOCARD DESCRIPTION:
TOCAINIDE - ORAL (toe-CANE-ide)

COMMON TONOCARD BRAND NAME(S):
Tonocard

TONOCARD SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, headache, sweating, blurred vision, numbness or tingling of the fingers or toes, confusion or nervousness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop chest pain, rapid heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, rash, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, coughing, persistent sore throat or fever while taking TONOCARD. Because TONOCARD may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some people, make sure you know how you react to TONOCARD before driving or operating machinery. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TONOCARD:
TONOCARD: This is best taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, but may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. TONOCARD works best when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. To do this, take each dose exactly as prescribed at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Try to take each dose at the same time each day. Do not stop taking TONOCARD or change the dose without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

TONOCARD WARNING:
TONOCARD has caused severe, even fatal, lung problems (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), and blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression). Lung problems have occurred more often in severely ill people. Blood disorders often appear during the first 12 weeks of use. Tell your doctor if you already have a blood disorder or bone marrow problem. Stop using TONOCARD and notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of an infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores), easy bruising or bleeding, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. Your doctor will monitor you and test your blood counts for the first 3 months of therapy and often thereafter.

TONOCARD USES:
TONOCARD is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate.

TONOCARD PRECAUTIONS:
Be sure your doctor or dentist knows your complete medical history especially if you are planning to undergo any medical or dental procedures. TONOCARD should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not known if TONOCARD appears in breast breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

TONOCARD DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take beta-blockers (propranolol or Inderal like drugs usually used for high blood pressure), cimetidine (Tagamet for ulcers), the antibiotic rifampin or other medicines to treat irregular heartbeats because your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TONOCARD OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and seizures.

TONOCARD NOTES:
Your doctor may want you to check your pulse rate every day while you take TONOCARD. Learn how to monitor your pulse. To evaluate the effectiveness of TONOCARD, your doctor may periodically take a blood sample to measure the amount of the drug in your body. Tests such as chest x-ray, eye exams or electrocardiogram (EKG) may also be done. Keep all appointments with your doctor.

MISSED TONOCARD DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

TONOCARD STORAGE:
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.