Photodermatitis and Amiodarone

[RonnaJ]

Has anyone experienced this while taking Amiodarone? I've had a rash break out on both of my forearms and my doctor says it resembles photodermatitis, sensitivity to UV rays. I've been on Amiodarone since March 2019, never had anything like this before...I also take Lisinopril.

[Norm]

I can only suggest that you read all you can on Amiodarone, also the leaflet that comes with this drug. It is a very toxic drug and does have many side effects and effects.

Please check it out if you have not done so.

[DoubleEm]

Keep covered up when out in sun. Factor 50 sunscreen on exposed parts and wear a hat. Failure to do so can result in painful burns. NB this can happen even through car windscreen / windows as it magnifies strength of the sun. All is explained on the leaflet that's in the Amiodorone box. Go well.

[pottypete1]

I think that this is a common side effect and is one of the reasons many don’t like it as a long term AF medication.

There are other Arrhythmia medications available and in the circumstances I would have thought that you should talk to your EP about changing to another drug.

Pete

[jobristol]

When I was Amiodarone I would get a very flushed face, the lighting in big shops and some restaurants seemed to set it off, it was very embarrassing. It even happened at an EP appointment and he confirmed it was the lighting in the hospital! I was only on it for 3 months and it continued for 2 months after stopping it. Horrible drug!

[RonnaJ in reply to jobristol]

Thanks for the info, I’ve also noticed it acts up while at work and I sit under fluorescent lighting. Thank goodness I’m only on this med for 1 more month!

[Hidden]

If that's all your doctor said about it you need to find another doctor. The wrong pills can be worse than the disease you are trying to cure. Meanwhile, the doctors are getting rich on the pills they prescribe.

[Jes59 in reply to Hidden]

Amiodarone is about £1.70 per 28 tabs on the NHS, so is very cheap!

[DrOxford]

Amiodarone (among other side effects) makes one *very* sensitive to the sun. When I was on it -- for a short period of time -- I purchased UV protective clothing for my forearms, hands and head (hat). Even for very, very short periods of time, the sun made my arms tingle with discomfort as if I was having a sunburn in the making hence, the purchase of the UV clothing.

[Jes59]

As others have said, it’s a known side effect so you do need to be careful in the sun, I always stay in the shade and as soon as I start feeling my arms getting hot I cover up or go indoors. Amiodarone has been great for stopping my AF, though have had a few bouts of ectopics during the last 7 months, however I will be coming off it in July because it’s not a long term solution due to the side effects. Just hope the AF doesn’t come back! (Not hopeful).