"By Megan Brooks
Medscape Medical News
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will require makers of prescription testosterone products to clarify the approved uses of these medications on the product label and add information"...
(Generic versions may still be available.)
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
PROCAINAMIDE - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Procanbid, Pronestyl
WARNING: Though procainamide often gives great benefits to people with irregular heartbeat, it may infrequently cause a serious (possibly fatal) new irregular heartbeat. Therefore, procainamide treatment is usually started in the hospital so that your doctor can check on you and provide emergency medical treatment if needed. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking procainamide.
This medication may rarely decrease bone marrow function, an effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight a serious (possibly fatal) infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of anemia (such as severe tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, mouth sores), or easy bruising/bleeding.
If you take procainamide for a long time, your body may start to make a certain type of antibody (antinuclear antibody-ANA) that may make you ill. Tell your doctor right away if you have aching/swollen joints, muscle aches, rash on your nose and cheeks, skin sores/changes, fever, severe tiredness, or painful breathing. Your doctor will do a blood test to check if you have this antibody. If you do, your doctor will discuss with you if continued use of procainamide is right for you.
USES: This medication is used to treat a certain serious, life-threatening irregular heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia). It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and to keep a regular, steady heartbeat. Procainamide is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.
For extended-release tablets: Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. You may see the empty tablet shell in your stool. This is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Additional Pronestyl Information
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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