Goodbye Amiodarone hello Dronedarone

[keeponticking]

Hi just wondering has anyone been prescribed Dronedarone (Multaq) ? Have been on Amiodarone (Cordarone) for 3 years and Ep has decided to take me off and give me Multaq. Anything I should watch for etc?? Thank you! xxxx

[BobD Volunteer]

Multaq is basically amiodarone without the iodine (not quite that simple) so kinder to your thyroid and lungs. It was the great white hope when it came out a few years ago but didn't quite live up to expectations. I understand that digestive problems may intrude in the first few weeks and that regular liver function testing is a good idea but have never used it myself. Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with it and consult your GP or specialist if you have any worries.

[keeponticking in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD. I'm hypothyroid also so the iodine is interfering with my thyroxine - don't know what end is up sometimes - heart or thyroid!! EP has advised monthly bloods to be done so fingers etc crossed!! Thanks a mill Bob xw

[excalibur]

Hope it works for you - its not as potent as Amiodarone and didn't work for me (though Amiodarone did). If you do slip back into AF see your EP immediately as you shouldn't stay on Dronedarone whilst you are in continuous AF

[Varina8]

I had Multaq for 5 months for two years ago. The frequency of PAF attacks was not reduced (2-3 times a week, lasting 5-12hours). There is a risk for total liver failure and a few patients with liver transplantation. so risk/ benefit ratio was not good. Thereafter I started with propafenone 150mgx3 (Arythmol). It made my PAF disappear after a few days' introducing period. Now continuing 2+ years and feeling well.

[dave205]

MULTAQThe PALLAS trial (2011) was stopped for safety concerns due to the finding that "dronedarone increased rates of heart failure, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation who were at risk for major vascular events".[20] A Black Box warning was subsequently added by the FDA stating that the risk of death, stroke, and hospitalization for congestive heart failure doubled in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

[keeponticking]

Thanks everyone for the information. I've had a Mitral Valve Repair, a maze ablation and 2 CAs. The Afib isn't persistent as it was - just a few bumps every now and then. Hopefully won't be on the Multaq for long! Take care and keep well. Emma.

[Hidden]

Hi! So you've had the maze ablation as well as 2 catheter ones & still getting AF. How disappointing for you.

I'm also hypothyroid , have been on Amiodarone a few times, longest 18/20 months many years ago. I also went on to Dronedarone about 3 years ago following one of my many cardioversions & stayed on it for a few months.

Make sure you read the leaflet carefully & ensure that you get liver function tests regularly. I believe that statins are not to be taken with this drug or at least not recommended.

I'm sure you know that if you read deep enough you will always find some frightening information about these heart drugs . They all have side effects which you need to make yourself aware of.

Sandra

[heather-7]

I couldn't tolerate Multaq due to diarrhea that didn't stop. However, my husband has been on it for 5 years, is in NSR, and only had one major Afib episode after a flight that was stressful as we were searching for a house. No side effects as yet.

Heather R

[paul29]

Have been on dronedarone for nearly 4 years no side effects. For the first 18months I had 3monthly liver function tests no problems. The first year I did not have any episodes of AF but gradually they have crept back. I had an ablation 6 weeks ago but still on dronedarone for the time being. Hope you respond positively to your new treatment. good luck Paul29