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
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
Both Amiodarone and Dronedarone possess calcium channel blocking properties. Dronedarone is similar to Amiodarone without the iodine atom
So why do they want to give me Lercanidipine too?
Is it for hypertension?
No I’m hypo but had high bp
Hypertension = high BP. ( you are thinking of hyperthyroid?)
Your right of course. Brain fog but current bp without anything 123/71. Arrhythmia nurse says see GP before starting new tablets
Yes ..do take proper medical advice here. Good luck !
Thanks
Di, what are your objections to getting your thyroid function checked??
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.
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
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.
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?
Have tried Flecainide made the episodes stronger.
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!
I was on Multaq Dronedarone for 2 years and I was fine with it. No side effects for me.
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.
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.
Dronedarone - 10 Month Update
changeover to Dronedarone
Dronedarone(Multaq) and lungfibrosis
Dronedarone worries 
Flecainide v Dronedarone 
