Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is propafenone. You may hear it called by the brand name 'Rythmol'. This medicine treats irregular heartbeats. It can help your heart return to a normal beat, and stay normal. This medicine has other uses, too, like treating a certain type of fast heartbeat. 

You should take this medicine exactly as directed. It's important to not miss doses. But, if you do, just take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Common side effects include feeling a little tired. You should wait until you know how it affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert, like driving. You might also have nausea, constipation, a headache or changes in taste. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

Always call your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, or if your heart problems seem worse instead of better.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious effects could occur. With propafenone, these include new or worsened heartbeat problems, or heart failure. Other effects include problems with blood counts, sperm counts, and pacemakers. You should read the 'Patient Package Insert' for full information. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. 

To avoid drug interactions, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. Also, you should not drink grapefruit juice. 

Women who are taking this medicine should not breastfeed.

For best results, plan ahead for refills, and follow your doctor's advice for steps you can take to manage your condition.