Multaq (dronaderon)

[Nyhyttan]

I have had intermittent Afib since 2003. Initially I only took Bisoprolol but stopped taking it because of constant tiredness. The last two years I have had an increased amount of Afib attacks with a fast heartrate and low bloodpresure but have not felt bad during the attacks which could last up to 12-14 hours before reverting to sinus rythum. As I had to often visit the ER to get medical aid to convert to a regular heart beat the Cardiologist suggested a new regime. Continue with Eliquis and add Multaq 1x2.(dronaderon). On this treatment I have Afib approx. every six weeks not more than 5 hours at the most and I always take Bisoprolol 2,5 mg to reduce the heart rate effectively during the attack. I have sofar never needed electro conversion.

My question now comes to Multaq. It seems to make me feel quite lethargic. No other obvious sideeffects. Anybody else with experience of this drug?

[BobD Volunteer]

Multaq was the great white hope when it first came out a few years ago but some high profile legal cases in US seemed to reduce the popularity. I think you need regular blood tests for liver function from memory. Here in UK is it little used now.

[Nyhyttan in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your reply. I have had liver tests performed for a year now. As they have been normal there is no need to montor them anymore. The only problem is the lethargy which also seems to make me think in a slower way than previously. The cardiologist wants me to continue as there are so few medical alternatives at present. But at times I would like to take the risk and discontinue taking Multaq.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Nyhyttan]

Flecainide or Propafanone are both alternative anti arrhythmic drugs but of course all drugs have side effects. Please discuss your concerns with your medical team.

[Nyhyttan in reply to BobD]

My cardiologist is of the opinion that Multaq is the most effective of the anti arrythmic drugs now available. However I realise that everybody reacts in different ways to available medication.

[Oldiemoldy in reply to Nyhyttan]

Check our writing of Dr. John Mandrola (USA EP based in Louisville, Kentucky.)

He thinks Multaq is both ineffective and dangerous due to side effects. Didn’t work for me and doctor didn’t fuss when I quit it.

And read the warnings about amiodarone if doc try’s that. Made my hair stand on end and I refused to take it.

We settled on a small dose (25mg) if metoprolol during my ablation recovery and that is now down to 12.5.

Multaq just wiped me out.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Nyhyttan in reply to Oldiemoldy]

Thanks for the reply. I have not heard about Dr John Mandrola. As far as my Afib is concerned there is a certain effectiveness insofar that I am free from attacks up to six weeks and they terminate by themselves within 5-6 hours. They are nearly always triggered by infections. I thought that Multaq was a big thing in the States. As for myself I a am a resident of Sweden and Multaq seems to be in fashion over here.(As an alternative to ablation)

[Hidden]

Why do you assume it is the Multaq making you lethargic?

[Oldiemoldy in reply to Hidden]

Well, the lethargy lessened significantly when I stopped the Multaq.

[john-boy-92]

I was prescribe dronedarone and it caused pulmonary toxicity: case paper in the Edinburgh Royal College of Physicians. Basically it's Amiodarone with the iodine element removed.