Hi, is anyone else taking dronedarone for AF? It has far fewer side effects than amiodarone and has done the trick for me,

[frizzylizzy]

I still get a few ectopic beats here and there even though I had an ablation, but the EP said I have to stay on the drugs since the ablation hadn't done the trick and since my AF is controlled by the dronedarone he won't do another ablation.

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm glad to hear your story frizzylizzy but do hope you are having regular check ups whilst on Multaq.. It was heralded as a breakthrough when NICE approved it but it seems little used these days as I recall that there were a few problems with liver reaction and it needs a good over view long term. A real shame so good to read that it suits you.

Bob

[Costa-Del-Solway]

I had an ablation in Feb and the EP wanted me to go onto it. But I refused the drug because the NHS web site and the MHRA ? the regulating authority in the UK both web sites clearly say that it should not be prescribed to anyone if they have had lung or liver side effect caused by amiodarone. I was on 400mg ami and had <1% AF, but ended up losing part of my lung to amiodarone lung toxicity. I had been on the drug for 6 years. The EP was well aware of my previous problems and I was really surprised he was going against all the guidelines to prescribe it for me. As Bob says, make sure you get all the regular tests. My main problem was dry cough only when I tried to talk.

Hope it keeps working for you, but keep reading the patient info leaflet that comes with the tablets.

Tom

[biggran]

Hi there

Yes I have been taking dronedarone since December and it has also done the trick for me. Same as you I still get a few ectopics now and again but feel so much better than I did before. I have had 2 blood tests and all has been fine. My GP does not seem to be wanting me to have regular tests but I am on the case and will remind him at my next review that I would like one to just check.

It does worry me when I read the negative comments about this drug but as it seems to work for me better than any of the other drugs I have been given I just hope for the best and keep a keen eye out for any thing that might suggest something is wrong. But I just keep popping them in and getting on with my life as that is what they have given me back.

Good luck with them and keep well ♡

[mumknowsbest Volunteer]

I had heard that the negative press was due to only one or two people reacting to it, but can't remember where I heard this. Just make sre you are monitored regularly. Good luck

Eileen

[BobD Volunteer in reply to mumknowsbest]

Yes Eileen I think there may have been a couple of deaths but from memory this was really down to desperate people demanding to be put on it by GPs who failed to take the proper precautions.and let unsuitable people have it. Especially when initially it was tertiary centre prescription only from memory. It is such a shame when I think of all the PR stuff I did for it and how much we all thought it would change the .face of AF treatment. Still got my Multaq pen! lol

Bob

[Loquitir]

I have been on dronedarone since it was first approved by NICE aorund summer 2009 as a replacement for amiodarone. I had started developing reactions to long term use of amiodarone. With dronedarone you need to have annual liver check ups etc. You would also benefit avoiding sunlight as this can cause you to have skin sensitivity problems.

The medication itself clearly helps with paroxsymal AF and I have no problems tolerating it at all. It can make your mouth seem very dry so I tend drink small amounts of water through the day. I dont think its designed to stop ectopic beats but reduce your AF.

I read an article last year in the US which mentioned that scientists are looking to improve the drug based on clinical findings. So perhaps there is a new evolution yet to come?

Good luck with it.