Flecainide - frequency of ECGs

[Bagrat]

My most recent brand of flecainide is made by milpharm and I decided to read the info. Came across the fact I should have monthly badic ECGs and 3 monthly extensive ones!!! I have for 8 years on an annual ECG at my surgery when I remember to ask . It also mentions doctor determining level of flec in the blood. Nope. Never ever. I am not unduly concerned as go by AFA leaflet on flecainide. Just wondering..........

[Kellyjelly]

I took flecainide for 12 years I was never monitored, just ticked the repeat prescription box online and picked it up from the chemist. I have never had an ECG at my doctors and I was signed off by a cardiologist so had no monitoring.

[Bagrat in reply to Kellyjelly]

Yes I was signed off years ago too. Gp does let me have yearly ECG though and have persuaded them blood tests yearly as on Apixaban a good thing. Unfortunately one of my liver function tests is raised so have to have that repeated!!

[Finvola]

I’m fairly sure that would be news to my cardiologist - and unwelcome at that! He told me last week that there are 8000 AF patients in our Trust area and I suppose if half are taking Flecainide, the work load would be prohibitive.

I have ECG’s every 6 months at a review consultation. Surely ‘flecainide levels in the blood’ is determined by dose and renal function? Very strange instructions!

[Bagrat in reply to Finvola]

My thoughts entirely!! I totally agree it would be an impossible task for the NHS. Not to mention wasting everyone's time. This company has bases in Ruislip and Malta!

[Finvola in reply to Bagrat]

I assumed English was their second language until I looked them up before writing my response!

[jeanjeannie50]

I was started on Flecainide while in hospital. I was given the top daily dose to see if my body could tolerate it and it could. From what I can remember, when I left hospital I was told to have an ECG at my doctors surgery in a weeks time. That was all I had from then on. If I had a severe attack of AF with a high heart rate that went on for ages, I could ring my surgery and go down immediately for an ECG. They would then fax it to my EP and often send me to hospital.

I wonder why the instruction leaflets in pills, as above, put about the continued monitoring when it never happens?

All very odd.

Jean

[Bagrat in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Also why different amounts of info on different brands of same drugs. My husband says it's "to cover all eventualities" so I'm guessing depends on their legal team!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Bagrat]

Yes, perhaps a legal loophole in case something unfortunate happens to one of us while taking it.!

[ILowe]

I asked my cardiologist recently a similar question. She re-started me on a higher than usual for me dose. A week later she did an ECG. I asked her about the possible side effects -- could she spot it on the ECG. She said yes, and since there was no problem there is unlikely to be a problem.

Obviously, the usual annual electrolytes tests + Creatinine + Urea. But that is routine and you can flag it yourself if you notice something unusual.

[BobD Volunteer]

Overkill.

[Storyjo1 in reply to BobD]

For sure!

[Bagrat]

Most definitely!!!

[secondtry]

Hi Bagrat, hope your liver re-test comes out OK. I saw my cardiologist last week for an annual check-up (after 5 years being OK) and he said no need to do an ECG thus backing up my GP. However, the NHS is brilliant at Emergency Medicine not so good at Preventative Medicine so I intend to pay for an ECG at my surgery just as peace of mind (as I am on 200mgs Flecainide) at the same time as I pay for blood tests to check my supplement levels (Mg Red Cell & Co Q10 tests).

[Bagrat in reply to secondtry]

Ooh I'm lucky then. I printed off the AFA leaflet on flecainide and they scanned it into my notes so yearly ECG no problem.

[Dangerousdriver]

My advice would be to buy a Kardia or Apple Watch and then you are free to carry out an EKG at your leisure, and also great to have if you do have any irregular rhythm as you can forward the readings in a graph to a Dr or nurse.

The NHS aren’t equipped to deal with that kind of demand (regular ECG), and also gives you peace of mind. I swear by both my Kardia and Apple Watch.

[Bagrat in reply to Dangerousdriver]

My last overt episode was many moons ago. I know AF is part of my life but as long as I feel "good enough" the rest is history. I take my pills and am lucky to feel well mostly. OH bought a BP monitor and I sent it to Romania. We now have another as GP occasionally asks for readings from him but it gathers dust otherwise. I'm of an anxious disposition so do not think any means of recording my own ECG would be "a good thing". I know for many it is reassuring. ( retired clinical nurse specialist btw but not in cardio)

[Hidden]

Crumbs! Milpharm wont win any 🏅 🥇 🎖 from the poor old NHS.

Pat x

[Patient007]

I have an annual ECG at my GP Surgery.

[Bagrat in reply to Patient007]

Me too

[Bee-Honest]

Thanks for pointing out the leaflet info. I have been on Flecainide for approx 13 years and never had it monitored regularly by way of an ECG. If I have a 'breakthrough' and end up in A&E they give me an ECG. (I suffer from Fast AF). Dose was increased to 200mg a day about 4 years ago after a couple of 'breakthroughs'. Last year told to take an additional 100mg as and when necessary after heart went out of rhythm due to flu jag. Like others up until I asked to see a Cardiologist I have been for years ticking my repeat prescription and seeing no one!

[Bagrat]

I think an annual ECG is fine. Have a look at the leaflet on tbe main AFA site on flecainide. Very sound.

dropbox.com/s/edyzsvz51qy3f...

[KMRobbo]

I was on it 10 months I had an initial hospital check bloods & ecg as I was cardioverted by flecainide infusion.

I had a 3 month follow up ecg only.

[irene75359]

I am amazed at that! Though I must admit I have only started reading these medication leaflets in the last couple of years.

[barbly1]

My cardiologist monitors my Flecainide levels with ECGs and bloodwork, but I am in the USA, so maybe protocol is different?

[Bagrat]

Indeed I no longer have a cardiologist and don't think I need one.