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Atrial Fibrillation Support

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Dronedarone

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Just received copy of letter from EP to GP. Suggests I try Dronedarone but wants GP to monitor my TSH and my liver function. I have virtually decided to go into permanent AF which hopefully will stop them looking too closely at my TSH which is usually about 0.05.

I can see the monitoring is a condition of taking the drug but why TSH? Medichecks have received my thyroid blood test this morning so hopefully can put up a smoke screen. Cardiologist said no correlation between low TSH and AFib

Di

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21 Replies

Im not sure about Dondarone, but it's older brother Amiodorone is well known to damage thyroid function (I speak from experience)

I know there is a relationship between AF and Thyroid problems, but not syre if it's Hyper or Hypo

It’s both. Dronedarone is a rhythm drug. I think Amioderone is a calcium channel blocker

Di

in reply to

Both Amiodarone and Dronedarone possess calcium channel blocking properties. Dronedarone is similar to Amiodarone without the iodine atom

in reply to

So why do they want to give me Lercanidipine too?

in reply to

Is it for hypertension?

in reply to

No I’m hypo but had high bp

in reply to

Hypertension = high BP. ( you are thinking of hyperthyroid?)

in reply to

Your right of course. Brain fog but current bp without anything 123/71. Arrhythmia nurse says see GP before starting new tablets

in reply to

Yes ..do take proper medical advice here. Good luck !

in reply to

Thanks

Di, what are your objections to getting your thyroid function checked??

in reply to

Because my TSH is very low they keep wanting to lower my T4 dose. I function better with a suppressed TSH and as that’s the only thing they ever check I try and keep away from them.

I see. I have an underactive thyroid ( possibly caused by Amiodarone) and my dose is kept a bit under deliberately as hyperthyroidism is a known cause of AF, as you are doubtless aware.

Personally I would rather my very symptomatic AF is kept at bay by this adjustment. However you are obviously happier with your present dose.

in reply to

I’m on 125 which I hope I’m converting properly. When they dropped me to 100 I could just about make it from bedroom to lounge and to iron 4 t-shirts would have to sit down after too. My cardiologist says level of TSH and AFib not connected

Algi996 profile image
Algi996

All I can say is I was given Dronedarone on my second visit to to A&E and within 4 weeks I came out in an horrendous rash.

My doctor phoned my cardiologist who said that he hadn’t used the drug in years (it was prescribed by a medical ward doctor not part of the cardio team) and to stop it immediately.

It took a few weeks to clear up but is fine now I’m not taking it.

Horrible drug.

AnneWorner profile image
AnneWorner

I tried Multaq - I was in a 2 week run of afib and was given the drug to stop the afib. It did nothing. I spent days gagging and throwing up - if you have a sensitive digestive system, this is not a drug for you.

What would be wrong with trying for instance Flecainide? Have you been on that before?

in reply toAnneWorner

Have tried Flecainide made the episodes stronger.

AnneWorner profile image
AnneWorner in reply to

Sorry to hear that :(

I've been on Amiodorone and it made my thyroid worse, and affected my eyesight. So far, Flecanide is working for me. We are each so different, but we are all on strong pharmaceuticals!

Deeferdi profile image
Deeferdi

I was on Multaq Dronedarone for 2 years and I was fine with it. No side effects for me.

Vandalbragg profile image
Vandalbragg

I’m on dronedarone. I actually feel their are less noticeable side effects than Flecainide, although i was told by my doctor it’s not safe for long term use.

Nybroc profile image
Nybroc

I see in the BBC News the NHS are considering stopping or reducing prescriptions for dronedarone and amiodarone due to low clinical effectiveness. What do they intend to do about the low clinical effectiveness of expensive things like cosmetic surgery in those cases where it is more about fashion and ego than genuinely addressing a medical need.

Afib is already poorly funded which is why we have to wait many months to see a consultant or get a cardioversion. All the while our hearts are remodelling themselves making our condition worse and increasing the likelihood of Afib becoming permanent. The NHS seems to be on the path of short term savings resulting in long term additional costs.

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