Flecainide

[Electricblue1]

Can anyone tell me about flecainide as I’ve just been prescribed it and I’ve read awful things about it.

[wilsond]

Morning!

From my experience, Flecanide is a very useful drug which keeps me in sinus most of the time.

I have only one warning,make sure you are prescribed a betablocker such as Bisoprolol,even a tiny dose like me 1.25 mg. This is because Flec has the capacity to trigger flutter if not kept in check.

I have never had problems with Flec. I get bouts of dizziness at times and fatigue but tbh I'm on several drugs which can cause that ( Losartan for example)

The pay off between not getting prolonged afib and flutter is well worth it.

Of course I can only speak for myself here but I find it valuable.

I did start off using it as required (pill in pocket )but it was decided I was getting so many episodes that it was best to prevent rather than ready to them.

I take 100mg a.m and 150 mg pm .

Best wishes

[pottypete1]

Every medication leaflet lists a whole bunch of side effects.

BUT side effects are the exception not the rule.

I have been taking Flecainide for over 30 years and no doubt will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

I also have the authority to take Flecainide as a pill in the pocket to revert any AF to normal sinus rhythm if I unfortunately have an episode.

Flecainide is an extremely effective anti arrhythmia medication and you will most likely find it helps you significantly.

Pete

[meadfoot]

Flecainide has been a game changer for me these past eight years. I was converted with IV flecainide the first time in hospital then put on flecainide tablets thereafter. My understanding is that it was to be started in a hospital setting by a cardiologist. That may have changed now but i suspect not.

My heart had been fully checked in advance ie echocardigram and other cardiac tests to check my heart was sound, Note of caution, my consultant ensured i was also on a beta blocker and said flecainide without being accompanied by a beta blocker is a no no. Hope it works well for you.

[Finvola]

Every side effect, every problem and every time it wasn't suitable will be documented and filed - this is normal with any drug. But there are probably millions of patients across the world taking Flecainide and feeling the benefits which it can offer. Flecainide has been my best friend for 7 years - I take 200mg per day and in the time I have been taking it, I've had no AF at all.

It is a powerful drug - but then, so is uncontrolled AF which can cause a list of health problems on its own. It really is a case of the best choice for your quality of life. Trust your cardiologist and I wish you the same success with Flecainide as I have had.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

We have a Patient Information factsheet about Flecainide available from our online Patient Resources \ Factsheets heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[SuziElley in reply to TracyAdmin]

Struggling to download the PDF for this.....

[SuziElley in reply to TracyAdmin]

Ah, I opened the link in a new tab and it worked. Thank you

[Louloumay9 in reply to TracyAdmin]

Thanks for signposting to the factsheets - very helpful.

[jeanjeannie50]

For me Flecainide was the only drug that helped prevent my AF. I would recommend it 100%. I take it alongside a small dose of the beta blocker Metoprolol.

[Hidden]

It has given me my life back.

[Bagrat]

I've been on flecainide for10 years. Was on 100mg twice a day. In 2016 reduced to 50mg twice a day. I am not on a beta blocker as even v low dose dropped my pulse to high 40s at rest (who knows what when asleep). Realise I'm on a low dose.Recently have had odd runs of pulse suddenly regular but up to 100 (usually around 60) and 2 episodes of irregular pulse - very short lived. Waiting for heart monitor to see if that shows anything.

I too get episodes of fatigue when I have to lie down. Usually not that often. But 10 years on I'm pleased that no overt episodes since 2013

[Thomas45]

I was on Flecainide for 12 years (without a beta blocker). For 10 of those years at 150mg x 2 a day. Had no side effects, and only a handful of short episodes of AF. It was s very successful drug for me.As others have said every patients' leaflet contains details of side effects, and I've had side effects from some drugs, but I never had any problems with Flecainide.

[Achant1]

Absolute wonder drug for me no side effects(other than stopping my heart jumping out of my chest), don’t be put off by horror stories.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

You may be interested in the Flecainide factsheet or AF drug information available on the AFA website heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...