AFib meds and painkillers

[jd2004]

Been doing fine on daily 10mg Bisoprolol and 2 x flecainide for six years. Recently started taking Naproxen and Cocodamol for arthritic pain and notice very low heart rate (42) and slight AFib feeling in the evening. Anyone else noticed this is they take painkillers?

[Hidden]

Hi jd2004, I’m no longer allowed naproxen as I need anti coagulation for my AF but I do take a dose of prescription strength cocodamol most evenings to help with overnight pain and yes, I do notice a tendency for AF to begin then. I’d never really connected the two things but you could be right!

[jd2004 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I find that generally my AFib is under control with the medication unless I’m asymptomatic. But lately I’ve noticed a slight change so I’m going to monitor it.

[BobD Volunteer]

Any NSAID such as naproxen is a no no as they are known to be a cause of AF regardless of the effect on anticoagulation.

[Jalia]

Naproxen should not be taken . It is known to promote arrhythmias and really must be avoided. I take CoCodamol 15/500mg or 30/500mg if necessary for arthritis and have not noticed any effect on my AF . I'm highly tuned in as well !

[jd2004 in reply to Jalia]

Thanks. GP told me it was possible to take Naproxen and not Ibruprofen so I’ll mention it next time I’m there.

[Jalia in reply to jd2004]

I would most certainly mention it. My husband went into AF for the first time whilst on a course of Naproxen. It is a NSAID and as such is not advised.

[jd2004]

Many thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi,

I'm on 7.5 mg of Bisoprolol and until January 2021 I've been on 5 mg daily for around 11 years previously. No sweat. I've never ever been prescribed Naproxen or Ibuprofen.... ever! My only arthritic pain relief is 30/500 CoCodomol ..... all that said on the rare occasions I get a full blown AF event it usually starts around 2 am and is connected with food I'd eaten the previous evening, as far as I can tell its never associated with any of my range of medication.

John

[Ewloe]

I’m frequently in arthritic pain almost every time I walk. Or often move. I miss NSAIDs. But naproxen is one not to take. I’ve started gentle exercises in water as it’s non wait bearing. With discussion with rehab and it’s really helping. Good luck.

[jd2004 in reply to Ewloe]

Hi. Thanks. I usually swim 4 or 5 times a week but physio has just told me it is probably arthritis and I could need a new knee, not a route I want to go down if a general anaesthetic is required.

[francesturpin]

The only medication I take for pain is extra strength Tylenol. I am curious, I'm on daily meds of Flecainide and Bisoprolol for 6 months and seems to keep Afib at bay so far so good. I have had one ablation for flutter which was successful. I am hoping the medications will stop Afib episodes as I do not wish to have another ablation.

[jd2004 in reply to francesturpin]

Thanks. I’m not sure if Tylenol's sold in UK.

[plopper in reply to jd2004]

It's paracetamol.

[notfibbing]

Thank-you for bringing this up. I didn’t know about the risk of Naproxen and NSAIDs. I have occasionally taken naproxen and wonder if it was a factor in a brief episode of AF several months ago (but don’t remember if I had taken it around that time…..)

Here is a brief explanation and recommendation from Harvard Health:

health.harvard.edu/heart-he...

David

[jd2004 in reply to notfibbing]

Thanks. I think this explanation must be at the root of the doc’s decision to prescribe Naproxen but think I will avoid and stick to Cocodamol. I’m trying to go painkiller free today to see if I get any fluttering this evening. If I do it could be the Cocodamol as I’ve steered clear of Naproxen over last few days. I’m not sure if Tylenol is sold in UK unless under a different name?