Side effects of Amiodorone

[Lucyjoujou]

My cardiologist is suggesting that I try this drug. Does anyone have experience of its adverse side effects?

[jennydog]

I was prescribed it for a short time. It didn't have much effect. It is now considered to be the drug of last resort and is often called "cardiac Domestos." It can have devastating effects on your thyroid.

[Lucyjoujou in reply to jennydog]

Thanks for your reply. I am very reluctant to take a drug with so many potential side effects. The cardiologist is also considering increasing the dose of Flecainide that I currently take. Does anyone have experience of this?

[CDreamer in reply to Lucyjoujou]

I used to take maximum daily dose of 300 mgs - still a dirty drug but not nearly the toxicity or the half life of Amiodarone which I refused. I was OK on it but AF did eventually break through after a few years. Your GP needs to monitor your liver & kidney functions - usually a blood test every 3-4 months so do keep on top of those. I had no obvious side effects.

I wouldn’t have thought you would take both - I assume it would be either or?

[pottypete1]

They tried it on me but I did not get on with it at all.

I have been on Flecainide for more than 20 years. My dose was increased 2 years ago when things were bad but 6 months ago reduced back to 100mg x 2 per day.

For me Flecainide is best but like all these things everyone is different and what suits one sufferer does not suit another.

At the end of the day it is your quality of life that matters most.

Pete

[opal11uk]

I went through a period where I was prescribed different kinds of beta blockers from Flecanide, Sotolol, Amnioderone etc., the last was not a very nice drug and has lots of contra indications so I stopped after about 2 weeks of my own accord and in the end I was prescribed Disopyramide and that has suited me well over the years, still had the PAF mind you lol, had Ablation to not good effect and ended up 3 years ago with a dual Pacemaker but still take drugs namely Disopyramide and Bisoporal and, touch wood, PAF is stable so far.

[Von19]

I was only on Amiodorone for a short period but I never felt well Whilst taking it and developed hypothyroidism and hypertension

[higgy52 in reply to Von19]

Hi Von19,

i was on Amiodarone for 2 and half years, since iv'e been on it got hypothyroidism had 3 cardiovertions 2 Ablations, 2 nd Ablation worked so far, so weened my self off it as E P keeps saying stay on it for now, but they said the same 2 years ago, so took my self off it and still A F free so far,nasty drug no sleep red eyes head aches, still got head ache but they say Amiodarone stays in your body for up to a year

[Ianfoster]

I was prescribed it 7 years ago when I had an ICD pacemaker fitted . Recently taken off it as it is now considered not suitable long term. It apparently did the job, but made my skin very sensitive to the sun. Whether ther have been any other detrimenta affects remains to be seen.

[Drummerswidow]

My Mother was on Amiodarone for years. Has not affected her thyroid but she now has a lung problem similar to interstitial lung disease. I know she’s 87 but she now gets very breathless and can’t walk very far.

My cardiologist wouldn’t give it to me, no that I asked, as he said I was too young. I don’t think i’d take it anyway. I think it’s used as a last resort.

[Hidden]

Just taken off of it 2 weeks ago after being on it two and a half years. I was getting a lot of the side effects, thyroid/eyes/walking as drunk/lung effects etc. I asked the Cardiologist why I was put on a drug that can do so much damage and why wasn’t I told. He said “If we told people exactly what it could do then nobody would take it”. EP appt next Friday to see what next but with such a long half life there will be Amiodarone in me for a good time to come

[Norm in reply to Hidden]

"If we told people exactly what it could do then nobody would take it”

I was on it for 5 months in early 2016 after getting afib after OHS.

Was told nothing about this drug, now on Levothyroxine for life.

They must explain this drug and its possible side effects to patients and ensure that patients understand before they administer it.

It is supposed to be drug of last resort. I am also blessed that a cardioversion done November 2016 worked and still to date I am in NSR.

[Hidden in reply to Norm]

I’ve had a couple of cardioversions both worked but only for a couple of months before going back into AFib all the time, is that persistent or permanent I’m not sure. Tried Bisoprolol I think it was but as I still went back into AFib I went on Amiodarone rather than an ablation. The Amiodarone did put me into sinus rhythm and been in SR for the two and a half years but the side effects are ridiculous

[Sunnytrfe]

Has anybody thought about suing for the destruction of their thyroid as a result of over prescribing amioderone, just a thought to maybe making doctors think seriously before they prescribe it? And perhaps make them monitor their patients properly if they do prescribe. I was kept on it for over a year without blood test to monitor my thyroid, believing I had to take it and it would be dangerous to just stop! My GP would not give me an answer just told me to consult my cardiologist who was never available just the secretary who never returned my call. End result thyroid destruction for me! On a recent visit to Spain I collapsed and was rushed to hospital ..problem sorted they reorganised all the drugs I was taking and now I am fine using flecanide as a pip (only needed every 2-3 weeks) 2.50 bisoporol rivoxiban and of course Levothyroxine for the destroyed thyroid

[Nugger]

Only take 200mg until I have cardioversion in 3 weeks but gives me lower back ache & felt sick on 600mg while loading up!

[Hidden]

When first diagnosed with afib, my cardiologist used amiodarone to restore sinus rhythm. I was on amiodarone for one year and felt great the entire time. Due to my age 68, my cardiologist was reluctant to allow me to continue with amiodarone and over the past two years I have tried, bisprolol, flecainide and dronedarone. My afib returned shortly after stopping the amiodarone and has steadily worsened. Now in permanent afib, and along with dronedarone am also taking digoxin. Booked in for an ablation 11 July. Fingers crossed.

[Lucyjoujou]

This is the first positive comment about Amiodorone. I feel reluctant to try it but will discuss it with my cardiologist.

[bennie06]

All drugs have the possibility of coming along with side effects. Been on Amiodarone for nearly six months now with no significant side effects. In normal rhythm and back to two hour walks. Suggest you are guided by the medical professionals with the obvious checks in place. Good luck.

[bennie06]

Meant to add that you are bound to get negative comments from members who have been, unfortunately, adversely affected. Those who have not will get on with their lives.

[Norm in reply to bennie06]

I agree but the healthcare professionals should understand and pass on to the patient what the possible side effects may be so that the patient not only understands what may happen but if the do get adverse reactions then they can let the appropriate person know and action be taken.

I was never told any of this, just put on it in hospital post OHS. It was a first resort not last resort. And like above GP did nothing but just said ask cardiologist.

I am now 2 1/2 post OHS and still suffer, though not as much as I did first off.

Biggest problem is still lack of restorative sleep. The brain just does not shut up.

[Lucyjoujou]

To what extent do you have to avoid the sun?

[bennie06 in reply to Lucyjoujou]

Apply factor 50 wear a hat

[cali111]

I could not even go into a bright daylight room. I lasted all of 4 days three of them in bed. I would not ever take it again. After I studied the patient notes which came with the tablets(Amiodaron) I was horrified especially the thyroid and lung damage . Now I always research any drug they give me and then take it for a week and if it doesn`t suit I stop.