Newbies To PAF and pil in a pocket

Hi, I am reading a lot of posts about 'pill in the pocket' is this a new protocol for PAF? Instead of everyday meds

[BobD Volunteer]

No it has been around for years. I had it in 2004! The idea is if you have PAF only occasionally then taking flecainide when you have an event is better than taking something you don' t need 95% of the time. It is fine when the flec works but otherwise not so clever. They usually ask you to take 300mg in one hit when an event starts but then you can't take any more for 24 hours.

Bob

[iris1205]

Hi Poppyseed,

I was on pill in the pocket method for three years and I was very pleased with it as a method. Unfortunately my episodes of rapid AFib came more often and with greater intensity. All that said, I was still content with the method until greater measures were necessary. I did opt for the ablation, and post op, I am on Flecainide full time (50mg 2x per day) until we are sure the heart will stay stable. Personally I never took over 200mg and was recommended not to by my EP. I do require a combination with metoprolol as I go up to 180-215bpm. We are all different and have different requirements so don't take that information as a recommendation just more info. In my case and though NOT proven, I felt the more Flecainide I took to stop the big events, the more often the small episodes came. I needed this time to accept the need for an ablation. I can't say I regret waiting as I might have second guessed everything after my choice. I would say to those who wish to brave the ablation (which is much easier than I'd feared) I would do it sooner than later. Hope you find some relief soon!

[Hidden]

Thank you both of you as always your answers are very helpful, have a lovely Sunday x