PRONESTYL

Drug Name: PRONESTYL

PRONESTYL DESCRIPTION:
PROCAINAMIDE - ORAL, INJECTION (pro-CANE-uh-mide)

COMMON PRONESTYL BRAND NAME(S):
Pronestyl-SR

PRONESTYL SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, bitter taste in mouth, dizziness, or flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, stomach pains, vomiting, hallucinations, depression, fever, chills, mouth sores, sore throat, skin rash, dark urine, muscle aches, joint pain, easy bruising, breathing trouble. PRONESTYL can cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done periodically to monitor for these effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PRONESTYL:
PRONESTYL: Take PRONESTYL at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. It is important to take each dose at the designated time. Do not increase your dose, take this more often or skip any doses since improper dosing may lead to a worsening of your condition. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you plan a correct and convenient dosing schedule. Do not stop taking PRONESTYL without consulting your doctor. It is important to continue taking PRONESTYL even if you feel well. Sustained-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them or the long action can be destroyed and the chance of side effects increased.

PRONESTYL WARNING:
Prolonged procainamide use may result in testing positive (ANA test) for a serious skin problem (lupus erythematosus-like syndrome). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop skin eruptions (swelling or redness). Procainamide may rarely cause serious (even fatal) blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis, hypoplastic anemia). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat or fever), easy bruising or bleeding, or unusual fatigue. PRONESTYL may need to be stopped if any of these problems occur. Procainamide must be used only in cases of life-threatening heart arrhythmias.

PRONESTYL USES:
Procainamide is used to treat an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

PRONESTYL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, lupus erythematosus, blood disorders, any allergies (especially to procaine, local anesthetic drugs, or aspirin). PRONESTYL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of PRONESTYL are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PRONESTYL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: medication for your heart; beta-blockers, quinidine, cimetidine, ranitidine, trimethoprim. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PRONESTYL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fast heartbeat, confusion, and decreased urination.

PRONESTYL NOTES:
Some brands of PRONESTYL contain a wax core which slowly releases the drug in the body. This wax core is not digested and may be seen in your stool. Do not be alarmed.

MISSED PRONESTYL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the 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.

PRONESTYL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. 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.