Hi everyone hope you're all staying hydrated in the UK heat.
Question...
My friend had a long planned cardio version last Sunday. Three attempts but didn't hold for long. So cardio nurse ( who seems to run the whole dept) prescribed Amiadarone to be taken " to prepare your body for another attempt at CV" this may be some time. Friend is to take 200 mg x3 for a week then X2 then x1
As she already has thyroid issues and on meds I did mention that I'd read about a clash between the two drugs.
She tried to call nurse back but got through to a strange person who listened to what she said and then said " hmm well I really don't know and Sheila is on leave for a week!" Friend was quite taken aback and out phone down
She is now waiting until 'Sheila" is back and not taking tablets yet.
Her general question is..does it matter if you already have thyroid problems or does Amiadarone instigate them?
Thank you
Stay safe and cool!!xx
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wilsond
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A top cardiologist had to be reminded by me that it is inadvisable to take Amioderone if you have thyroid problems. he quickly withdrew acknowledging i was correct.I believe it is well researched.
The hospital SHOULD let her GP know what’s going on, but I wouldn’t trust them. I’m afraid I’ve had too many unbelievable problems with Drs, Consultants and nurses who don’t care they’re not taking my BP properly. I trust none of em. These days you have to read up yourself and challenge their decisions if they don’t match what you’ve found.
I have found out since this error is not that uncommon. Which is why,sad to say, we have to have a lot of resposibility for ourselves and not rely on the sometimes,so called, experts.
I was given Amiodarone for several weeks prior to my 3rd ablation 7 years ago . I was on CCU at the time. I have been on Levothyroxine for about 18 years, most probably due to Amiodarone long term some years prior to that. I'm refractory to most AF drugs so went along with it.
Oh my - it sounds like a designated procedure was advised without a check on personal circumstances. We really do need to be our own advocates - this certainly needs confirmation from your friend's GP (at least).
How good that she has you to help - I hope she can get it sorted out.
She has decided to do nothing until the original prescriber returns and then take it up.It worries me thatbthus can happen,if I hadnt recalled seeing on here about the effects amiadarone can have......stay cool in the heat Finvola
I like the idea of querying the original prescriber as long as she is aware of the qestion mark over using Amiodarone in her case. The humidity here is unpleasant and the combination of thunder storms and a border collie at 4 am is too much - no one got much sleep!
As for your question - the simple answer is I don't know.
LaceyLady wrote
"I’m afraid I’ve had too many unbelievable problems with Drs, Consultants and nurses who don’t care they’re not taking my BP properly. I trust none of em"
I must say I'm tempted to agree at times. Sad I know - mind you lawyers are worse
I hope all is ok with you during this crisis. Take care of yourself and stay safe.
I have been taking 200 mg daily of Amiodarone. I had my ablation one month ago. Persistent afib- I was given amiodarone immediately after the ablation 800 mg a day for a week ;the next week 400 mg and now 200 mg as maintenance.
They told me I’d be on it for six months to a year. How long did you take it and what made you go off it? What was your dosage?
Anything you can tell me about your experience would be appreciated. thank you
If she looks inside the packet there should be a leaflet which contains a a lot of detailed information about the ide effects of this very powerful drug, with particular reference to it's effects on the thyroid system.
I was put on amiodarone by a consultant after spending a night in a&e and cardio ward. I told him I had thyroid nodules thinking he would change his mind but he ordered a blood test and said if it came back normal it would be okay. I only knew to query it because of Jean Jeanie : )
My first blood test just after starting it was ok. After four months I asked for my bloods to be redone because I really hated taking it and was called in by my GP as my thyroid levels had shot up.
She stopped it immediately and said she would write to the consultant.
When I give doctors and consultants my list of meds, I write on it that amiodarone caused thyroid problems so I cannot take it any more.
She upped my 5 mg of bisoprolol to 7.5 ( I cannot tolerate 10 mg ) shortly afterwards I saw an EP the cardiologist had referred me to, he said I was unsuited for ablation and gave me flecainade which ( touch wood ) I don’t seem to have a problem with.
I had a cardioversion last September before these drug changes, my first one lasted 5 years with a few breakthrough episodes, I’m hoping this one lasts just as well.
I have been on Thyroxine for about 16 years following radioactive iodine treatment which all but nuked my thyroid. My AF started 4 years ago in my 40s. I didnt tolerate Bisoprolol at all so ended up on Diltiazem which didnt help much, other than swell my ankles and feet and my gums. First cardioversion lasted 4 days so I was put on Amiodarone, with the loading dose your friend was advised, in prep for cardioversion number 2. Stayed in nsr, whilst continuing Amiodarone until last Oct, when I got taken off it to see if my heart behaved. It did until last month so now back on Amiodarone awaiting cardioversion number 3. I have been monitored by endocrinologist every 4 months throughout, so they can tweak thyroxine if need be but I've not had any issues thyroid wise on Amiodarone (eyes yes thyroid no) As it's gives you a better chance of staying in nsr after cardioversion, I reluctantly took it but have been monitored so perhaps she could have a chat with her endocrinologist as well to see what they think.😊 (sorry, that was very long winded 🤣)
That was very kind of you to pass on your experiences. I certainly will chat to her as soon as I can . However ,he older sister died suddenly yesterday and obviously not a good time...
I'm glad you are not having extra thyroid issues. Xx
Male 60-64. 13 years ago after changing my local surgery, I was found to have very high thyroid levels of 10 times normal. This explained my mood swings, impatience and lack of drive. To manage these levels, I have slowly reduced from 175ug Levothyroxine and now take approx 125ug... This still keeps me in the recommended band and without taking more than I need.
This was being managed and working out fine until a few years ago when I discovered I had AF after a very bad episode away on business (large meal, no alcohol, symptoms like food poisioning). I realized that I was going in and out of AF for a while and after seeing a cardiologist, I was persistently recommended to have a catheter ablation to address the AF matter.
I am not keen on medication or invasive surgery when not needed and continually rejected the offer of ablation, managing by hook and crook with a touch of mindfulness to muddle on.
Needless to say, I visited another hospital and changed the doctor I was seeing. I was given a massive dose of Amiodarone which dropped me into Sinus Rhythm and out of AF... Yipee ....
I now take the lowest dose of Amiodrane (100ug) to keep me in Sinus Rhythm and out of AF. I can see (using the simple free app on my phone which will give display a ragged curve or increased heart rate) or feel when laid still how my heart rate goes.
Whilst I was in AF and before taking the Amiodrone I couldn't even feel my heart working whilst in bed! now I can and all seems ok.
As Amiodrone is such a 'drug of last resort' so they say, it is important that your liver and kidney levels are monitored as prescribed.
I feel so much more alive and better in myself now than ever in the last 10 years. I did put the symptoms I had to "getting older". This was not the case and I no longer feel as tired and anxious anymore. The main problem I had when I went into AF was the anxious feeling it brought on.
I am sure the Amiodarone interacts with the Levothyroxine as they both contain sodium but the interaction if any will differ from person to person. I had no problems.
I wish you luck, keep reading up about your issues, medicine interaction differs from person to person, don't despair.. You could always get a second opinion. If I never had my second opinion, I would be on blood thinners, anticoagulants and all manner of medicine now....
I have found my top ten guide to reducing the triggering of AF are.
1.Stopping the normal salt and only using potassium rich salt when absolutely called for
2.Reducing alcohol
3.Getting good rest
4.Keeping out of stressful "triggering" situations
5. Mindfulness
6.Chill time
7.Moderate exercise
8.Managing the weight
9.Balance diet
10.Talking to close friends
Best of luck in your endeavours. Control the AF, don't let it control you
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Should I ask for an ablation 
Flecainide is my friend
