Dronedarone/Multaq

[Hellie54]

I’ve been in persistent afib for two weeks with very fast heart beat. Previously I’ve taken Amiodarone and it has put me back in sinus rhythm. I’m reluctant to take this toxic drug so my EP has prescribed Dronedarone. Also taking bisoprolol 5mg and Rivaroxaban. I feel so tired, nauseous, spaced out. Still in afib and heart feels as if it’s racing much of the time. My worry is that I’ve read that dronedarone should only be prescribed to patients in snr in order to prevent afib. Can anyone advise me please. Thanks so much.

[BobD Volunteer]

Never heard that before and I did a lot of PR work about AF when the drug was first released. It was hoped to be the answer to every bodies prayers but was actually something of a disappointment and it is a bit out of favour in UK I fear .

[Hellie54 in reply to BobD]

Many thanks BobD. That’s reassuring that it’s not actually doing me harm. I’m not sure whether the afib or the drugs are causing the nausea, tiredness etc

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hellie54]

Check if you need to take Multaq on a full or empty stomach or with food . I can't remember now but it does make a difference.

[Hellie54]

Yes it’s with food but that’s a good point i take it after a very small breakfast.

[Spoiler]

My EP debated on using the drug for me, but ended up saying It was a disappointment and did not work well for afib. He prescribed Flecainide 50 mg every 12 hours, which has worked, no afib at all.

[Hellie54 in reply to Spoiler]

Thank you. I’ve taken flecainide in the past but it stopped working. It seems Amiodarone is the only drug which works for me but I really don’t want to take it.

[SpritzerAce]

Hi Hellie, I was prescribed Multaq/Dronedarone (twice daily) when I was first diagnosed with AF in 2016. Yes it is a strong drug but fortunately was effective for me. There was no adverse side effects after an initial feeling of anxiety and anxiousness during the initial weeks of taking it. You must take it on a full tummy I think, or at least it was for me. After a year without any episode I was taken off Multaq and so far it has been good. I also have SVT and am Concor 5. (5mg once a day). Have heard that some people do feel tired and breathless with Concor. Hope you will get better soon. Do not lose hope that you will be well again. Very important to have a positive mind and go for your regular check ups especially when you are on Multaq. All the best Hellie.

[Hellie54 in reply to SpritzerAce]

Thanks so much for your reply. I’ve been on dronedarone for about 3 or 4 weeks now and I’m still in afib. The bisoprolol has brought my heart rate down but I feel breathless and tired. I’ve gone from being fit and happy and full of life to barely being able to drag myself out of bed. My heart still races during the night so I’m not sleeping. I’ve got an appt with cardio in May but that seems ages away. I’m feeling a but sorry for myself. I need to snap out of it There are others who are so much worse off than me. Grrr u hate this afib!

[SpritzerAce in reply to Hellie54]

Hi Hallie ! I saw this thread and thought of asking how you are coping? Hope all is well with you.

[Hellie54 in reply to SpritzerAce]

Hi Spritzer. Thank you for your concern. Good news I’m pleased to say (though I’m wary of being too complacent). My EP booked me in for a cardioversion in August. It was a long time to wait but it did put me back in snr and I assume the dronedarone is keeping me there. I’m still taking all the meds until I see my EP next month. I’m quietly optimistic! Hope you’re ok

[SpritzerAce in reply to Hellie54]

Good to hear that. Hope you will only get better and all the best for your appointment next month.

[Hellie54 in reply to SpritzerAce]

Thank you

[Tudee]

Dear Hellie,

so sorry for what you are suffering, I can understand, I went back to my GP, and told him how awful I felt and he requested The the Cardiologist see me ‘soonest’ which I was, give it a try, nothing to lose, good luck Hellie