Hello hello😊

[AAmyB]

I have had AF for 6 years now. 7 Cvs. Holding in NSR. For now anyway. Cardiologist wishes to change my meds to flecainide from sotalol. How worried shouldi be?

I would appreciate your input.

Thank you.

Amy

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Amy,

Sotalol is not recommended for treatment of AF in UK since 2014 I think as it has the potential to cause other arrhythmias in the ventricles. These can be dangerous. Flecainide is quite a popular drug although that too has some drawbacks and is usually started under controlled conditions for similar reasons. It should not be used in patients with other heart conditions. If your cardiologist is an electrophysiologist ( EP -specialist in arrhythmias) then he should have done all the checks and balances. Many people take flecainide with a beta blocker such as bisoprolol and large numbers use it as a "pill in pocket" (PIP) to take when events occur , using the bisoprolol to hold heart rates down to an acceptable level.

If you have had AF this long I would have hoped that you will be treated by an EP and that these matters as well as stroke prevention if appropriate would have been discussed.

Why not go to AF Association main website and read up on these subjects.

Bob

[AAmyB in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

Thank you for the information you provided. I have a cardiologist who is an AF specialist. I also have had more tests and studies done than the latest VW Bug!

Flecanide is on my menu.

I will keep all eligible body parts crossed for the success of the latest CV.

Thanks again

Amy

[Rellim296]

Flecainide is a powerful drug and can work really well. Lots of us take it. It can have side effects, but personally I think having my heart kept in line has been worth having the odd bit of weirdness elsewhere. While I was taking it - and I took a large dose latterly - I acquired a poor sense of taste, numb feet and floaters in the eye. These may be coincidental.

Having said that, I have had three ablations and still have a little bit of AF occasionally. I was able to give up flecainide on a daily basis after my second ablation. I use it now - and effectively - as a pill in the pocket. I'm very happy as I am and hope my EP when I next see him will be content for me to carry on. If he suggests a fourth ablation or daily flecainide I'm not sure which I'd prefer.

[AAmyB in reply to Rellim296]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate your input. Flecainide it is then.

Amy

[Rellim296 in reply to AAmyB]

You are advised to take flecainide on an empty stomach or an hour before food. This can slightly rule your day. It's not clear to me if this is to make it work more quickly or more effectively or whether it can make you feel odd if you have it with food. I used to take it first thing in the morning and an hour before my evening meal. I tried 11am and 11pm or thereabouts but it didn't seem as good. Good luck! It can be very effective.

[meadfoot]

I take flecainide as pill in the pocket so take it as and when symptoms occur. however I suspect I may go back on it twice a day.

I find it helpful and it has reduced the severity of events somewhat. Good luck. Hope it works for you.

[Hidden in reply to meadfoot]

My cardio favours regular taking rather than the roller coaster of PIP if it occurs frequently.

[AAmyB in reply to meadfoot]

I suspect if I have to take Flecainide then it will be on a daily basis. Fingers crossed for NSR to hold.

And thank you for your good wishes.

Amy

[AAmyB in reply to meadfoot]

I hope that I won't have to use it. It's good to know that it is a useful med.

Thank you.

Amy

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Amy - Flecainide has been my wonder pill. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Jean

[AAmyB in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for recommendation Jean, your input is appreciated.

Amy

[TenorJK]

Hi Amy, I have used. Flecainide, first as a pill in pocket for 10years and then daily for the past 8years and it is only in the last 2 years that I have had 2 episodes of AF so it must be doing something right.

Good luck. Jo