This article describes possible side effects of amiodarone oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for amiodarone. You can explore this overview article to learn more about amiodarone oral tablet, including the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Amiodarone oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Pacerone. Amiodarone also comes in an injectable form, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about it, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Risk of lung, liver, and heart toxicity
Amiodarone has a boxed warning for the risk of lung, liver, and heart toxicity. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of amiodarone in detail” section below.
More common side effects of amiodarone
Amiodarone oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of amiodarone oral tablet include:
- lung toxicity*†
- nausea or vomiting
- sun sensitivity*
- thyroid problems
- vision problems*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of amiodarone in detail” section below.
† Amiodarone oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Mild side effects of amiodarone
Amiodarone may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or bother you.
Mild side effects of amiodarone oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- abdominal pain
- changes in how much saliva you make
- changes in taste or smell
- constipation
- dizziness
- fatigue (low energy)
- skin flushing
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- mild allergic reaction*
* An allergic reaction is possible with amiodarone oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of amiodarone in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of amiodarone
Amiodarone may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from amiodarone oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with amiodarone.
Serious side effects of amiodarone oral tablet that occurred in studies are common and include:
- changes in skin color
- nerve damage
- problems with coordination, walking, or movements that you can’t control
- sun sensitivity*
- reduced sex drive
- sleep disturbances, including insomnia
- thyroid problems
- low blood pressure
- slow heart rate that can cause the heart to stop beating
- vision problems*
- risk of lung, liver, and heart toxicity*†
- severe allergic reaction‡
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of amiodarone in detail” section below.
† Amiodarone oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with amiodarone oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of amiodarone in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of amiodarone
Here are answers to some common questions about the side effects of amiodarone oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can amiodarone be used for atrial fibrillation? If so, does taking the drug for this use cause different side effects than when the drug is used for other indications?
Possibly. Amiodarone oral tablet isn’t approved to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), but doctors may choose to use it for that purpose. It’s called an off-label use when doctors prescribe a drug for a condition other than its approved uses.
You can learn more about amiodarone oral tablet’s off-label uses, including AFib, by talking with your doctor.
Will amiodarone 200 mg cause fewer side effects than the drug’s other strengths?
Possibly. Some amiodarone oral tablet side effects appear to relate to the dose you take. So, amiodarone 200 milligrams (mg) may cause fewer side effects than other strengths.
The goal of treatment is to use the smallest dosage of amiodarone oral tablet that gives the desired outcome. This will help minimize side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have side effects that aren’t going away or bother you.
If I stop taking amiodarone, will I experience certain side effects?
No, it isn’t likely. Amiodarone oral tablet isn’t reported to cause side effects when you stop taking it. But amiodarone stays in your body for a long time after stopping it. So any side effects you have while taking it may continue for some time after you stop taking the drug.
Do not stop taking amiodarone oral tablet without talking with your doctor first. If your doctor recommends stopping it, they’ll tell you what to expect.
Does amiodarone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases amiodarone oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or they may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with amiodarone oral tablet include:
- blue-gray skin color
- nerve damage
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects of amiodarone.
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Side effects of amiodarone in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of amiodarone oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of lung, liver, and heart toxicity
Amiodarone oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of lung, liver, and heart toxicity. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In studies, lung toxicity was very common in people taking amiodarone oral tablet. Liver and heart toxicity also occurred but were less common. These side effects are serious and may be fatal.
With lung, liver, or heart toxicity, you have damage to these organs. Symptoms may include:
- chest pain
- cough
- dark urine
- dizziness or passing out
- pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- pounding, fluttering, or skipping heartbeats
- shortness of breath
- spitting or coughing up blood
- tiredness
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Ways to manage
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Due to these risks, amiodarone oral tablet should only be prescribed for adults who haven’t responded adequately to treatment with other antiarrhythmic drugs or when alternative treatments can’t be tolerated.
Sun sensitivity
In studies, sun sensitivity was very common in people taking amiodarone oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
With sun sensitivity, your skin is more vulnerable to the effects of the sun. This can lead to severe sunburn, which can be harmful and lead to complications. Symptoms may include very red, painful, or blistering skin. A severe sunburn also increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
The risk may be higher in people with a fair skin complexion.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about sun sensitivity, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend using a daily sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
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In studies, vision changes were very common in people taking amiodarone oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
With vision problems, amiodarone may cause the formation of tiny deposits in your cornea (the clear front portion of your eye). Symptoms may include blurred vision or seeing halos. In some cases, taking amiodarone oral tablet may damage the optic nerve of the eye. This can lead to vision loss or blindness, which can be permanent.
Ways to manage
If you experience any vision symptoms, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend stopping amiodarone oral tablet. Do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor first.
Allergic reaction
For some people, amiodarone oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- cough or shortness of breath
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to amiodarone oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for amiodarone
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking amiodarone oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of lung, liver, and heart toxicity
Amiodarone has a boxed warning for the risk of lung, liver, and heart toxicity. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of amiodarone in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take amiodarone oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other factors also may affect whether amiodarone oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking amiodarone oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- heart problems, including having implantable devices, such as a pacemaker
- thyroid problems
- past allergic reaction to amiodarone or iodine
Amiodarone and pregnancy
Amiodarone oral tablet should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with amiodarone.
Amiodarone and breastfeeding
Amiodarone oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with amiodarone.
Amiodarone and alcohol
Amiodarone oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
But drinking alcohol while taking amiodarone oral tablet may increase the risk of liver problems and other side effects. Alcohol can also trigger heart rhythm problems. Keep in mind that doctors prescribe amiodarone oral tablet to treat heart rhythm problems.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with amiodarone oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of amiodarone oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do the side effects of amiodarone oral tablet compare to those of other drugs that could treat my condition?
- Am I at higher risk of side effects than other people?
- Are the side effects of amiodarone oral tablet reversible?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.