Amiodarone rant...

[Gnash67]

Hi all, just need to have a rant!

Last July I was admitted to CCU with an episode of Afib. A chest X-ray showed that I had mild infiltrates on my lungs and despite this and having COPD, they discharged me on amiodarone!

My follow up appointment was for May - 10 months later!

In February I became aware of lung pain in my back and increased breathing difficulties so I went to my GP. I've had a respiratory test and a 24hr BP monitor - still waiting on the results from those, and he sent me for another chest X-ray that showed a 7 month progression of the infiltrates, which corresponds with when the amiodarone was prescribed. He also wants me to have a chest CT scan but I'm still waiting for the appointment for that.

We have been trying very hard to speak to someone in cardiology to get me an earlier appointment. Finally I got through to a Practice Nurse who got me an appointment for today - which has just been cancelled due to coronavirus!!

I've explained repeatedly to the receptionist why I need an earlier/urgent appointment and she has rescheduled me for a week today - I wont hold my breath (I can't anyway!) but in the meantime, I'm still having to take the ruddy amiodarone!

Thanks for listening.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hope you soon get the medical advice you need. Please let us know how you get on next week and good luck.

Jean

[Dave1961]

I have been using Amiodarone for several years (150 mg) for several years with no real problems.

I also have suffered from COPD - 40 cigs a day for 40 years go figure - and admittedly my lung capacity has decreased but I could not definitively blame the amiodarone although I an sure it hasn't helped.

From what I know around 1 in 20 people develop symptoms related to the drug.

Until I finish a second ablation I have no option. I have severe AF and this drug is the only one that keeps me out of hospital.

Did your doctor not warn you last July of the potential risks with the drug when it was prescribed? If not he should be reported.

You may have only just now twigged to the "real"risks and are worried. I am not sure how you know your disease would not have progressed in the 7 months either way.

I guess I am saying that right now the drug is keeping you alive and stressing about it is not going to change anything.

Many of us are being inconvenienced by COVID 19 asnd the health system is under pressure - doesn't help but all I can say is stay strong and battle through...and you may need to replace your !!! button after that lol

[Gnash67 in reply to Dave1961]

Thanks for your reply. I was previously aware of amiodarone and it's potential side effects. I'm a retired nurse and have experience of it from my professional life. I was prepared to chance it due to the nature of my arrythmia and it's proven benefits. You are right that it's impossible to attribute my symptoms to amiodarone alone, which is why I have sought professional help and testing. The 2nd appointment was cancelled too this morning, but at least they are doing a telephone consult so I can at least talk to someone!

[MRockwell]

There are many serious side effect with amiodarone. It is intended for use in patients with life threatening arrhythmias. Look up Amiodarone side effects Drug.com Amiodarone pulmonary toxicity can present in various ways: pneumonia interstitial disease, respiratory distress or solitary pulmonary masses. Clinical scenarios are variable, the most common symptoms being dyspnea and dry cough also include fever. Take care hope you can see your Doctor soon if breathing gets worse. I came of this terrible drug just after 3 months unable to sleep breathing trouble. There are alternative drugs.