Safely Buy Betapace AF ( Sotalol Af ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Sotalol is a beta-blocker with antiarrhythmic properties that affects the heart and circulation within the atrium and ventricles (the upper and lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into and out of the heart).

Sotalol may be used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain documented heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. Sotalol may also be used for other purposes.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using sotalol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times a day. You may take it with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take it the same way with each dose.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age and body size.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

If you use antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, do not take them at the same time as sotalol. These antacids can bind to sotalol and decrease its absorption and effectiveness. Separate doses of these antacids and sotalol by at least 2 hours to reduce this interaction.

Do not take more of this drug than prescribed because you may increase your risk of side effects, including a new serious abnormal heartbeat. Do not take less of this medication or skip doses unless directed by your doctor. Your fast/irregular heartbeat is more likely to return if you do not take sotalol properly. Also, do not run out of this medication. Order your refills several days early to avoid running out of pills.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious side effects include:

• Chest pain
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest
• Sudden dizziness (like you might pass out)
• Slow heartbeats (especially if you feel light-headed)
• Swelling, rapid weight gain
• Feeling short of breath

Common side effects of sotalol may include:

• Slow heartbeat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or
• Feeling weak or tired

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• Before taking sotalol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain heart rhythm problems (such as a slow heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block unless you have a heart pacemaker), kidney problems, heart problems (such as heart failure, recent heart attack), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), serious allergic reactions needing treatment with epinephrine.
• Sotalol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation in the EKG). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, and fainting) that need medical attention right away.
• The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using sotalol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, history of torsade de pointes), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) if you are unable to eat or drink fluids as you normally would, or if you have conditions such as severe/prolonged sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using sotalol safely.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar levels, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.
• If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
• Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while using this drug, especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, make sure children eat regularly. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating, and shaking), tell the doctor right away.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, tiredness, and QT prolongation (see above).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Betapace AF is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Sotalol HCl Tablet:
  • 120 mg

Resources:

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021151s010lbl.pdf
2. https://www.drugs.com/sotalol.html#side-effects
3. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=afce2787-8899-4098-87c8-f1e8dd19e6dd
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8848/sotalol-oral/details

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose or shorten the dosing interval.

Try not to miss any doses. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of sotalol can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking sotalol?

Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take sotalol. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb sotalol.