Flecainide

[Spinbiker]

My cardioversion was cancelled some months ago and I am awaiting new rescheduled appointment/ I was told to take flecainide 100 twice a day three days before procedure and then several months after/ I have read that it is usual to be monitored when first taking flecainide for possible side effects- but in my case nothing has been mentioned/ should I be concerned?

[Paulbounce]

All I can mention is my personal experience Spinbiker. I was started in 50 mg twice daily and wasn't monitored. It was months after until I next saw my cardio who upped it to 100 mg twice a day and put me in for a CV.

It's kept me in sinus and no side effects. We are all different of course but my personal experience has been 100% fine.

Paul

[Spinbiker in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks for reply- that’s reassuring / best wishes

[Reena09 in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul - are you on a beta blocker? I start flec tomorrow and am on 5mg bisoprolol.

[Paulbounce in reply to Reena09]

Nope - not on a beta blocker personally Reena. However we are all different and our cardio's recommend it for some on flec and not others.

Don't worry about starting flec and just follow your doc's advice. I find it works for me and no side effects at all. It seems to really do the job too - hope it does for you

I started on 50mg twice a day before they increased it to 100mg twice a day. I can take an extra one as a PIP should afib return - however the daily dose seems to do the job no worries.

My personal recomendation is to take it 30 minutes or so before eating. That works for me but check it out on the instruction leaflet which will come with your tablets.

Paul

[Reena09 in reply to Paulbounce]

My main concern is that if I convert, my beta blocker dosage will be too high. I was on 1.25mg previously when in sinus rhythm.

[Paulbounce in reply to Reena09]

Reena - I can't answer that for you. 5mg of bisoprolol is a fairly high dose. Would it be a good idea to check it with your doc as soon as you can ? However if this is the advice given by your cardio then it's best to follow it.

Sorry I can't help further - I think you should check with your doc. I fully understand your concerns. I can only speak from personal experience. Flec on it's own didn't put me back in sinus- my HR was well high before my CV and I was on both. However when my heart went back to sinus they stopped the bisoprolol and just kept me on flec.

We all have different needs though. Maybe they are doing the same with you. I think though you should contact a medical professional to 'double check' everything.

I'm sure you'll be fine. For piece of mind though try and have a natter with your doc.

Good luck - I'm sure you'll be fine.

Paul

[Reena09 in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul - how long have you been on the flec? Do you know whether it’s a drug that can be taken longer term?

[Paulbounce in reply to Reena09]

Hi Reena.

About 15 / 16 months at a guess. I think others on the forum have been on it much longer.

It works for me

Paul

[Reena09 in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul. Let’s hope it works for me too.

[Reena09 in reply to Reena09]

Hi Paul - do you take any magnesium supplements? My EP suggests it’s a waste of time but many on the forum suggest it’s useful.

[CDreamer]

I was told I needed to be and was monitored. My GP surgery monitored me for the 1st 3 hours after taking the first full dose of 300mg - I was in AF at the time. Once the AF stopped and I showed no symptoms from the Flec - I was discharged. The 300mg dose converted me.

It could be that the lower dose taken when not in AF was the difference in advice and experience but if you are at all unsure - please ring and ask to speak to your GP.

Good luck.

[Spinbiker in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks for the advice will speak to my GP

[jeanjeannie50]

I've been on and off Flecainide a few times. I tried it first in hospital and was monitored there. The second time I was told to have an ECG three days after starting it again. I guess as you are taking it for just three days before your cardioversion you will have an ECG when you go in for that.

Jean

[Morzine]

Hi I was put on it with no check up in France....and I’ve been in it two and half years.....150 a day.....it’s been not trouble to me, keep the beast at bay.

But we’re all diferent eh.

[Palpman]

I have not read the reports fully on the debacle on Flecainide years ago when patients died.

The "new" Flecainide is apparently safe and should not be compared with the old research paper.

People are still struggling to trust Flecainide due to the negative connotations of the past and this could be the reason why it should be started in a hospital environment even today.

[cbsrbpm]

I was put on 50 mg x 2 the start of my problems 14 years ago and was taking it for years with no problem. It then stopped working for me was taken off it prior to 3 ablations. I was put back on it as pill in the pocket last year but am now taking 100 mg x 2 since my last bout of constant ectopics. I have never been monitored at the start of taking it but for me I have noticed no side effects. Hope all goes well.

[Spinbiker in reply to cbsrbpm]

Many thanks for info

[Reena09 in reply to cbsrbpm]

Hi - do you take the flec on an empty stomach in the morning?

[cbsrbpm in reply to Reena09]

Yes I do, but not always the evening dose.