Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take amiodarone as directed. Patient should read the Medication Guide prior to first dose and with each Rx refill. If a dose is missed, do not take at all. Consult health care professional if more than two doses are missed

• Advise patient to avoid drinking grapefruit juice during therapy

• Inform patient that side effects may not appear until several days, weeks, or years after initiation of therapy and may persist for several months after withdrawal

• Teach patients to monitor pulse daily and report abnormalities

• Advise patients that photosensitivity reactions may occur through window glass, thin clothing, and sunscreens. Protective clothing and sunblock are recommended during and for 4 months after therapy. If photosensitivity occurs, dosage reduction may be useful

• Inform patients that bluish discoloration of the face, neck, and arms is a possible side effect of this drug after prolonged use. This is usually reversible and will fade over several months. Notify health care professional if this occurs

• Instruct male patients to notify health care professional if signs of epididymitis (pain and swelling in scrotum) occur. May require reduction in dose

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery

• Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams, including chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests every 3–6 mo and ophthalmic exams after 6 mo of therapy, and then annually

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