Flecainide

About flecainide

Flecainide is used to treat arrhythmias within the heart. An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heartbeat, which causes the heart to skip a beat, beat irregularly, beat very fast or very slow.
Flecainide works by correcting irregular heartbeats to a normal rhythm and by slowing an overactive heart.

Before taking flecainide

Before taking flecainide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• If you have heart failure, have ever had a heart attack or have a pacemaker fitted
• If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina

How to take flecainide

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Do not stop taking flecainide, even if you feel well without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take flecainide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• The modified release tablet should be swallowed whole and not broken or chewed.
• If you miss a dose of Flecainide take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• Flecainide may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, and less alert or to have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to Flecainide before you drive, use machinery, or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see well.
• Flecainide may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Whilst taking flecainide, you should avoid exposure to strong sunlight and sunbeds and use a sunscreen higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can flecainide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other possible side effects include shortness of breath, hearing or seeing things that aren't real, depression, fits, pins and needles in the hands and feet, itching, unsteadiness, skin rash, hair loss, sweating, loss of appetite, anxiety, pins and needles, problems sleeping.

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes), ringing in the ears, breathlessness, chest pain or if your rapid or irregular heartbeat appears to get worse contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store flecainide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines