Weight loss from Flecainide/high ectopic burden

[rosepod5]

I was wondering whether anybody had experienced weight loss since taking Flecainide or with a high burden of ectopics.

Since July 2020 I’ve been experiencing unexpected weight loss with no changes to my activity levels or diet and struggling to pin point the cause. I have lost 2stone5lb (about 15kg) in total and still going down albeit slower than it was.

My PAC burden is 34% which I am on the waiting list for an ablation. I had my Flecainide increased to 100mg twice daily last month as a result of symptoms not improving.

The GPs did full blood tests which some results were out of the reference guide but weren’t overly concerned by them so just been told to eat more 🙄 which I have been but making no difference.

Just wondered if anyone had experienced similar

[jeanjeannie50]

I can't think it's the Flecainide causing your weight loss. Over a period of time I've been on the same dose as you, as are many others on this forum. Re your blood test results which were out of the reference range, I would want to ask what you can do/eat to get them right again. My GP said my platelets were low and I looked up what I could do to right that and the answer was eat more vitamin rich greens. So my lunch time sandwich contains watercress etc. At my surgery I find that lady GPs are more interested in giving healthy diet tips.

I've lost well over a stone in weight over the last few months, but that's because I've cut out all fat from my diet to help keep my gallbladder from flaring up.

Are you feeling completely well?

Jean

[rosepod5 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you for the response, that’s reassuring to know.I’m hoping if the ablation is successful and all medication no longer necessary that maybe I will return to normal again.

I was just concerned of the prospect of having other health issues which may get in the way of having the procedure so trying to get to the bottom of it whilst on the waiting list.

I haven’t felt ‘well’ for over a year now, I’m very symptomatic with the PACs. Whilst I understand they are benign, I don’t have anxiety about them, just affects my quality of life.

I shall persevere some more and take your advise on board.

Thank you again Jean

[secondtry]

I am on 200mgs Flecainide and have lost weight (BMI 22) despite eating everything including full fat products. In my case I can't pinpoint one cause but my best bet is it is a combination of factors: drug, anxiety, better diet, more exercise. I wouldn't worry too much unless your weight drops out of a 'low normal' range as it is less pressure on some organs & joints so may save you some chronic issues later in life.

[rosepod5 in reply to secondtry]

That’s interesting to know someone else suffering the same. I am the same regarding not watching what I eat and still reducing in weight. My BMI is currently 20.8 so still in the ‘normal’ range. Seems to have started since taking Flecainide but I guess it will remain a mystery.

[pottypete1]

I have taken Flecainide for more than 30 years and it has not affected my weight at all.

If you are concerned about the unexplained weight loss I suggest you ask your GP some probing questions.

Pete

[Hidden]

I’m not medically trained, but I don’t think ectopics would cause weight loss. I would certainly mention the weight loss to the doctor.

[Marlsboy]

Afew yeas ago I lost weight quite quickly, although I am on Angitil not Flecainide. My GP called me in urgently because of it and ran tests but never found a cause. I am currently underweight and have been since. I have never managedto put any weight back on despite trying very hard by eating lots of sugar, carbohydrates and fats in the attempt (along with the 'good' stuff . I have wondered if it's the racing heart (permanent AF) which just burns it up before it reaches anything else. Who knows?

[rosepod5 in reply to Marlsboy]

Mine seemed to be since taking Flecainide but I guess it will remain a mystery. I initially started losing weight very quickly but thankfully it has slowed down now, still going the wrong direction however just taking longer. Thank you for sharing your experience

[Redmakesmehappy]

I have lost 5 lb since started taking flecainide. When the doctor put me on Digoxin several years ago, before A Fib, I went from 114 down to 93 lbs. that was over 3 or 4 years. When I finally convinced him to let me go off Digoxin I slowly begin to gain a little back, got up to 106 when A Fib showed its ugly head and had to start Flecainide , now down to 100- 101, I am very small bone and never been heavy but sure need to add 10-15 lbs to look healthier.

[Tapanac]

Looking up on the internet it actually says that flecainide could cause weight gain. Perhaps it is the worry if your afib that is causing it. I’m on flecainide too but also higher dose bisoprolol and have gained weight but that is because when I’m bored I bake cakes and as we can’t see family or friends because if COVID we eat them ourselves. My own fault as when in afib/tachycardia I’m not very active.

That us a lot of weight you have lost. If doctors not worried and hopefully you’ve had second opinions, maybe try not to worry (easier said than done I know).

All the best