Product Details: Betapace (Sotalol)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a beta-blocker used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeat (ventricular arrhythmias). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. DO NOT TAKE ANTACIDS CONTAINING aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL days for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including kidney function, heart function, and blood pressure may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your reaction to changes in your blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience an irregular, fast, or slow heartbeat; chest pain; shortness of breath; or swelling of the feet or ankles. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Sotalol