Dirty Meds?

[Oscal]

I am taking Flecainide as a pill in the pocket treatment for P A/F.It works well for me and so far I have managed to avoid surgical resorts such as ablation,etc.My question is this, why is Flecainide often referred to as "a Dirty Medication"? I assume it is a reference to side effects,but as this applies to all medecines,why has FLEC been singled out for this ominous title? Grateful for any info,THanks,Oscal

[BobD Volunteer]

I suspect that this refers to the ability of flecainide to introduce other arrhythmias. Many anti arrhythmic drugs have the possibility of causing arrhythmias, some of which are more serious than those they are trying to stop. It is for this reason that flecainide always used to be introduced in hospital and almost always with a beta blocker along for the ride.

Amiodarone and sotalol have also often been called dirty drugs so it is not just flecainide. I remember one doctor at HRC a few years ago saying that amiodarone does not have side effects. It has effects!

[secondtry]

A contributory factor may also be, as Dr Gupta mentions on the topic, that in the early days it was given to all including those with certain heart abnormalities and it is here where complications arose and maybe 'dirty' was coined. For me 5 years and counting without problems it has been a Godsend but I am under no allusions as part of risk reduction (the prime AF action) I have to optimise my lifestyle and slowly wean myself off asap.....hopefully in 2020.

[Poodlewoman]

Hi ......

I also have flecainide as PIP.

And having had to take it three occasions for PAF it has caused me additional problems with arrhythmia’s and constant flutters.

However, it was Amiodarone that I was told was a Dirty Drug because it infiltrated all bodily systems and was indiscriminate in its effects. Its shelf life in the body is ridiculously long. So I had a 24 hour infusion and it took months to leave my system ..,,,, (the shelf life was worked out to be 130 days .... minimum) .

So although the Flecainide gives me flutters etc it does stop my AF within 1 to :2 hours of taking it ..... and it stops me being rushed to A&E where I get put on an I fusion

[Oscal]

Thanks to those who replied,it is most helpful.At present I am taking "flec" on average twice a week,and counting my blessings,for the record,my AF episodes are random,and can be triggered by Alcohol from the previous night,but not always,sometimes during/after a meal,other times for no apparent reason?Even abstinence say for 7/8 days does not stop it ,going to try Magnesium,will keep you posted,Good luck all,Oscal