Polypharmacy

[queseyo]

I'm in too many medications but my Cardiologist says that he cannot reduce any of them. I suffer from AF and Hypothyroidism plus High blood Cholesterol and High Blood pressure. All my meds are: DigoxinLevothyroxine Flecainide Ikorel Irbesartan Rivaroxaban Simvastatin Sotalol. I'm 83 years old and very confused 😕 Because I don't feel well at all. What could I do, any suggestions much appreciated.

[PlanetaryKim]

That's a lot of drugs. I think it would be wise to get a second medical opinion. I think some doctors might also consider that too many drugs.

[CDreamer]

I agree, a second opinion is required.

Did you ask the reasoning for asking you to take 3 heart drugs - Sotolol, Digoxin AND Flecainide?

I would suggest you talk to your GP as you are concerned about being on these 3 drugs specifically and would like a second opinion. If you are able, take a trusted an other with you who can listen, ask question you pre-prepare and if necessary - advocate for you. It helps if you know what questions to ask so I suggest you visit the AFA website for information and advice on specialists in AF and questions to ask

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

GPs act as gatekeepers to secondary care but should be able to advise and help you get a second opinion and explain why you are taking the BP drugs, statins and Hypothyroidism drugs. It’s very important, in myt opinion, that you understand the risks and benefits and affects of all of these meds and for them to improve your quality of life. If they aren’t improving your QOL the in my view - what’s the point of taking them?

Rivaroxaban is anticoagulation and is important if you have AF.

If you want to speak to someone who can help you ask questions you can ring the AFA.

Hope some of that helps.

[rosyG]

Agree with others Re second opinion. There are definitely other options looking at what you are taking

[calicles]

With all that med cocktail it's almost impossible to feel well. I'd also suggest a second opinion. But don't decide for yourself; ask always a doctor.

[Shcldavies]

Take everyone's advice and get a second opinion, not all doctors are the same. from personal experience (and after consultation with Doc) I reduced from Bisoprolol and Digoxin down to just 1.25 of Bisoprolol and now feel better than ever. WARNING don't change anything with your drugs without medical supervision, these tiny pills can be very powerful and nearly always work in support of each other, by reducing or stopping one will have an affect on the others and it has to be done in a phased manner for your body to adjust.

[queseyo in reply to Shcldavies]

Thanks, your post makes a lot of sense and the Digoxin are certainly little powerfully big meds. 😀

[notfibbing]

Dear Queseyo, Your message has two parts:

1) You feel you are on too many meds, and

2) You ‘don’t feel well at all.’

Each should be addressed.

First, the number of meds you are taking really doesn’t matter (although as someone taking taking 8 meds a day myself, I wish it was way less). What is important, is that each one has a purpose, there are no harmful interactions between them and consideration has been given by your doctor as to whether there are other possibilities to reduce the number.

Regarding this, it sounds to me that you should seek further discussion and explanation w/ your cardiologist. If they are not able/willing to answer your concerns, then maybe a second opinion- not so much because of too many drugs, but because of not listening to you, their patient.

2) Not feeling well absolutely needs to be addressed. It may be related to the issues for which you are already being treated and on medication, or something else. Phone today for a consultation and make an appointment!

Hope you feel better in all ways.

David

[queseyo in reply to notfibbing]

Thanks, David. I have discussed it with my Cardiologist more than once about reducing/increasing/change meds and the answer is…have tried all and because my sensitiveness to drugs nothing else can be done. And it is true, I trust him since I was very well for a year since started seen him. Then my previous GP increased the meds for hypothyroidism by 50%, and I ended up in emergencies because of thyroxine overcompensation. The arrhythmia wouldn’t stop for weeks with any change/increasing/reducing meds, so a Cardioversion was done and stay well for three months. A second one also helps but for only a couple of months, but the third Cardioversion did absolutely nothing. It was at the time when the Cardiologist suggested having an Ablation as the only option left. Still cannot decide because I have to travel interstate and others are my old age…is it going to work, or at least don’t make me worst, may be able to get off from some meds? I very much appreciate your post, it makes a lot of sense. 👍

[notfibbing in reply to queseyo]

Thank-you for your message. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your cardiologist, which is great. As you know, elevated thyroxin is a risk factor for afib. Ablation may be the next step, as you mention. You are wise to consider the pros and cons, and your cardiologist should be able to help a lot in your consideration.

There are many reports in the literature that it is effective in elderly with pros and cons also. Best wishes with finding what works for you- David

[Auriculaire]

Inadequate treatment of hypothyroidism often results in higher cholesterol. Have you got actual figures for your thyroid blood tests and cholesterol levels because sadly you just cannot trust the doctors when they say "your levels are normal ". The range for "normal " TSH is so broad that if you are at either end you can feel unwell. I know fron experience that I feel very different with a TSH of around 1.5 to one around 4.5. Both in the normal range. And you can be deemed to have high cholesterol if your total cholesterol goes above 5 even if the HDL is what is pushing it up!

[queseyo in reply to Auriculaire]

Thanks, Auriculaire, your post makes a lot of sense to me since regarding the thyroid function tests are very confusing and yes, it interferes with AF and its medications, certainly. I’m seen a new GP who is looking into it. Regarding cholesterol, I’m having meds for years without side effects and it keeps both reading under control. As it is in my make up I cannot give it up since diet (vegan) alone is not enough. 👍

[eleanor--1941]

Queseyo,I am 80yrs old.Had heart problems since l was 28yrs.I take all the pills you are on plus more for my heart and other ailments.Without this medication I would not be here today and still running about like a young thing!!!!!!I do volunteer work too. Trust your Doctor,they know what they are doing.If you do this you will start to feel much better,have another chat with your Doctor,he //she will put your mind at rest.Try to keep well and happy.Eleanor.

[queseyo in reply to eleanor--1941]

Many thanks, and congratulations to you for being so wise👍

[2000RedRose]

Hi Queseyo —Like you 3 years ago I was on huge number of medications and ended up in A&E for 2 days as I collapsed .A cardiologist told me I was over- medicated and scored 3 of them off my list and reduced doses of the others —.I was on 2 diuretics that he said I didn’t need.—The only one I take that you are taking is the Rivaroxaban and recently I had to reduce the dosage by 5mgs to 15mgs. as my kidney blood test result had been a bit high. —-Two different Cardiologists at different times ,were VERY keen to put me on Digoxin ,but as I knew it should be given as a last resort ,and it’s toxic I was just as adamant I didn’t want to take it !! I think you are on a LOT of medication and you should ask for a review of them if you are feeling very unwell on them .All the best and I hope you manage to be sorted out soon.

🌹RedRose

[queseyo in reply to 2000RedRose]

Thanks, RED ROSE, coming week I see my GP for some tests results I’ve had and I will decide then what to do next accordingly.👍

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I think he's lying to you. Can you visit a Naturopath .... or expert in geriatric polypharmacy. Both might be able to sort through your meds and wean you off of some.

For example, Statins are notorious for causing all kind of unwell feelings ... so many people dump them and feel so much better afterwards. At your age ... it might be questioned why you're even on a statin. Cholesterol isn't always the 'enemy'. It helps in a number of bodily functions, especially in seniors.

Good Luck to you ... I'm sure you'll be fine once you replace 'Drug Happy' with someone more reasonable and intelligent.

[queseyo in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Thanks for your post, my GP is trying to ref. to a diff. Car as she belives I'm on to many meds.

[Elfiejean]

I take a lot of drugs, too. I'm 71 years old. I had a medication review. All are necessary for now. Sometimes I suffer from fatigue. My doctors pared down the drugs required. You could ask for a review if they offer them.Sometimes you need to speak up.

[queseyo in reply to Elfiejean]

Thanks for posting. It makes me thinks I'm not alone.