Flecainide

[Supernerogirl]

Hi everyone I was prescribed this for “ pill in the pocket when I go into AF” still not had the courage to take it so ride the episodes out over the last 2 days and now of my Nebivol due to side effects . Just researching them now it states you should be started on 50mg mine are 100mg?? Have I been prescribed to higher a dose anyway ? Help ? Thank you

[Hidden]

Supernerogirl, we are not medically trained therefore we cannot advise on medication so you need to discuss this with your doctor. However, Flecainide can be prescribed as a regular daily maintenance dose which normally starts at 2 x 50 mgs a day. When used as a one off PiP, the maximum dose is 300 mgs and this must never be exceeded in any 24 hour period and it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions as some prefer patients to take a lower dose. I have taken Flecainide both as a maintenance dose and as PiP (max dose) and have not had any real problems with side effects but we are all different.

If you have been prescribed Flecainide, you ought to take it because if you continue to have episodes of AF, they may increase in frequency and length which should be avoided but please clarify your position with your doctor first......

[pottypete1]

Surely your specialist told you the PIP dose to take. You must only use this remedy as instructed.

For me it works 99% of the time with 200mg but I know for others a lesser dose works.

You might feel heavy and lethargic and sometimes nauseous for some hours after taking the PIP.

However the relief of being back in NSR is normally worth it.

Pete

[Hidden in reply to pottypete1]

Best if taken on an empty stomach as this reduces nausea but unfortunately, episodes don’t always cooperate!!

[pottypete1 in reply to Hidden]

Agreed

[Hidden]

I remember the first time I took flecainide as pip, I was scared, wasnt home, thought it might kill me.... obviously I survived and it stopped my a fib. It has worked great for me, no side effects. You dont want to let your a fib keep going. Flecainide can be your friend. BTW, my dose was 250mg, I think dose can vary depending on age, size of the person, etc. 100 mg isnt too much.

[Bagrat]

I used to take100mg twice a day and found it very reassuring (dose now reduced). Maybe take it for. The first time when someone with you. Important to keep length of episodes as low as you can.

[CDreamer]

The first time I took Flec for the 1st time was under medical supervision as I was told that this was essential, however, I seem to have been in the minority. I was given the full 300mg dose though.

[dmac4646]

you need to follow the dosage described on the prescription or go back to your GP to get advice as everyone reacts differently.

[Jafib]

I took 100mg 2x/day for 10 years so I’m sure you will be fine if your doc told you to use a 100mg PIP. Good luck!

[Rubymurray25]

I was given Flecainide as a PIP following a visit to A&E ( they cured my AF turning to Flutter with an intravenous Flecainide ) whilst out the area on holiday and I have had to take it 6 times in 16 months, the first time, as instructed I took 100mg after 30 mins from the onset of AF and it worked like a dream , second time the first tab didn't work , so again as instructed took another 100mg after an hour and it worked. The 3 and 4th times it didn't work as the AF went into flutter and have to have a DC Cardioversion, but more recently I have had two AF episodes and both times the PIP worked, I was over the moon and so grateful. I guess we are all so different but equally we all individually experience different types of episodes. I have been booked in for an ablation for Flutter, do hope it cures both??? As per the others advice go back to the doctor if you need reassurance. Good luck.

[Cally53]

I remember feeling exactly the same before I took them for the first time. All worries easily passed though as I had absolutely no side effects at all. I take 200mg as a pill in the pocket and it has reduced my episodes from 9hours + to something between 1 - 2 1/2 hours. You've been given them for a reason, so take as prescribed and if you're worried lay down until the episode passes. It will bring you back into NSR so much quicker if you take them.

[wilsond]

As a daily dose it is usually started at 50mg and increased if necessary.As as PIP it is usually 100mg,up to 300mg in 24 hours.

I was able to come off daily dose after making a !ot of lifestyle changes and losing weight,as well as leaving stressful job.

It worls very well for me as a PIP,stops most episodes with one pill. They always check you out to make sure you are suitable for this drug.Try not to be afraid!

Have you got access to an Arrythmia nurse who you can phone or perhaps talk to the person who prescribed it?

We cant give specific advice on meds here,only share our own experiences. Take care xx

[Supernerogirl]

It’s really ironic really how o was prescribed this. I saw the cardiologist in the morning and had an ECG all was normal I felt ok told cardiology what was going on blah blah . He looked through my notes and went through what I had been diagnosed with and said I need to see an EP specialist . So though ok I’ll wait for the app! Went to work felt ok then bang as they do really bad SVT though I’ll ride this out but was getting worse and felt so ill so my husband picked me up took me to drs the receptionist looked at me and could see I want well and hubby explained as I could not talk properly. Anyway dr rushed me through out me on heart monitor and said your in svt and irregular rhythm and heart rate way to high I will need to call an ambulance I said no I’m not goi g to hospital ! So she said ok blow into this syringe which worked !! Brought my heart rate down by 30 beats in an instant but then it started up and again and she said 5 mins threw if doesn’t settle ambulance . Anyway I explained only saw cardiologist earlier ! So she asked who and went and called him / spoke to his colleague and explained what was happening and he said prescribe beta. Blockers and flecanide there and then . So that’s how I got the prescription . Really frustrating though as they don’t keep the ECG report !!! As could have took that to my next app!! So dr prescribed not cardiology . When it passed they let me go home. So annoying though though didn’t keep the ecg recording so annoying. Anyway that’s it really. Apologise for any typos no good on little I phone 🙈

[pirnough6]

I have taken flecanide as a pip and on a daily basis. As a pip it worked really well getting me out of AF very quickly without any side effects. On a daily basis it gave me horrible side effects for the first month and then fine after that but my body did get use to it and the dose had to be increased to fight off AF. After my successful ablation I now take it as a precaution without any side effects.

[Supernerogirl]

😊

[grahamabel]

I have been taking 2x150mg a day as preventative measures for a year. No ill effects to date nor any AF.

[Hidden]

A little worrying that you are ‘riding out episodes’ rather than taking Flecainide. My understanding is that this can lead to atrial enlargement and the aim of medication is to nip episodes in the bud to prevent this from happening.

I’m sure others will correct me if I’m wrong here.

Take care

Pat x