Flecainide and Bisoprolol.

[Tobw]

I saw an EP in August who said he would review my case again in eighteen months, but, in the mean time he has written to my GP saying that I could go on 2 x 50 mg Flecainide tablets if my AFib deteriorates.

Currently I take Warfarin and 10 mg of Bisoprolol a day and when the subject of the Flecainide came up at a GP's appointment a few days ago, the student who was in with my doctor said "You'll have to come off the Bisoprolol then". My doctor disagreed and pointed out that the EP was happy for me to take both medications, but the student was adamant that he had read from a couple of sources that it's usually a case of one or the other when it comes to these medications.

I'm not contemplating going on to Flecainide at the moment, but, even without the other health issues I have pushing up my stress levels at the moment, my AFib has been getting worse over the past year or two and I can see the day coming when I might have to. I am right in thinking that there are a few people on here on both medications aren't I?

[jennydog]

Yes. I was on 2x100 Flecainide pre-ablation. Post-ablation I am to take 2x100 Flecainide plus 1x2.5 Bisoprolol for 2 months. I was on 10 mg Bisoprolol before going on to Flecainide and it affected my mobility so that walking was difficult sometimes. Flecainide suits me very well. Once I'm off medication I will use it as a pill-in-the pocket if necessary.

[Finvola]

Yes, I'm one of them - taking 2 x 100mg Flecainide and 1.25mg Bisoprolol daily for the last month. Prior to that I was taking 2.5mg Bisoprolol only and my AF was getting worse. Since taking Flecainide I haven't had a single episode and have had my energy levels improved by the reduction in Bisoprolol.

I feel that the student in question needs a lesson in manners and etiquette, apart from being wrong in his views! Bisoprolol is a rate control drug whereas Flecainide is for rhythm control and the rate control is there in case of breakthrough episodes to keep the heart rate down, as I understand it.

[jennydog in reply to Finvola]

Finvola is absolutely right about the manners! I do remember replying to a previous post of hers so I'm glad that the Flecainide appears to suit her too. I think it was Koll who had a difficult time with it. A warning though, it tastes as vile as warfarin.

[Finvola in reply to jennydog]

Thanks jennydog - I feel as if I have got my life back again! I know it's still early days, but I'm taking each day as it comes.

[Tobw]

Thank you for your replies, I was certain there were some people on here taking both. My heart rate is always pretty low (I take other beta blockers for hypertension and it can get as low as 45 bpm), so I would guess it would probably mean I would follow you in having a reduction in Bisoprolol dosage.

Regarding the student, "adamant" was probably too strong a word to use. I think he was just trying to justify his earlier comment - he accepted what the GP said and mentioned that the sources he got the information from may not have been too reliable.

Jennydog, I use the taste of Warfarin to justify the occasional treats I buy for myself to take with it - sounds like I'll have another excuse for the occasional bar of chocolate if I do start taking Flecainide!

[meadfoot]

Hi, I take flecainide 2 x 100mg per day. Not on Bisoprolol but do take Atenolol with no ill effects. Been on it for 14 months now.

I think the student comment should be taken with a pinch of salt. The clue is in the word 'student'. I bet the GP had a stern word with them after you had left.

[esmerelda-2]

Hi, I take flecainide 2 x 50mg a day and 5mg bisoprolol.ainaide Previously on 7.5mg Bisoprolol only which wasn't working. Have felt better since taking the flecainide but I don't sleep very well

[esmerelda-2 in reply to esmerelda-2]

oops, ignore the extra "ainaide"

[Funkygirli in reply to esmerelda-2]

Hi Esmeralda! This is an old post so I don’t know if you’ll see this, but you sound a lot like me! I was wondering how you switched from Biso 7,5 mg to Flec 100 mg + Biso 2,5 mg as I am supposed to do the same... Biso is supposed to be reduced very gradually, but when adding the Flec is it ok to reduce from 7,5 mg to 2,5 mg from one day to the next???

[Scorer]

Hello,

Have been taking Bisoprolol 2.5mgs for 6 months. Helped to reduce incidence of attacks slightly, but the introduction of Flecainide 50mg. twice daily 4 months ago has reduced incidence of atrial fibrillation & flutter considerably. Taking the 2 drugs together has caused me few problems. Sometimes feel dizzy due to lowered BP but generally the positive effects of the two drugs together has been great. Awaiting ablation to treat the fibrillation & flutter. This has been postponed, but am hoping it will be in the next 2-3 weeks. Instead of attacks 4-5 days per week now only 1-2 incidents weekly. Everyone is different in their response to drugs, but if the drugs work for you then life becomes more bearable.

Good luck.

[Tobw]

Thanks once again for all of your replies - I'll bear them in mind if it gets to the stage where I'm seriously considering going on Flecainide.

[Hidden]

Flecainide gave me palpitations and my EP told me to stop taking it straight away, in fact I'd already stopped before he told me as I had no choice! That happened twice, 10 years apart as we forgot the first time we tried it. I only remembered the trade name and it didn't register. So he tried me on 2 other drugs which didn't work 100%, then eventually tried a 4th and it's working great....so far !!!

Anyhow, just saying be aware a change may be best if you get any problems. I think Flecainide seems to work for a lot of people going on what I've heard, but not all as I can testify.

K