Coughing and breathing problems with medication

[Oak321]

Hi my husband was diagnosed with AF last September and put on Bisoprosol, saw an EP privately in February after a few a few episodes and was put on Sotalol no Bisoprosol. Had to come off that due to side effects so put on Flecainide unfortunately he should have been put on Bisoprosol with this but it was not prescribed and he ended up in hospital with atrial flutter after 5 days.

He was then prescribed digoxin and Bisoprosol after 4 days he started with a bad cough had this for a week now doctors surgery just sent him for a covid test which was negative his cough had got progressively worse and is causing breathing difficulties. He is not asthmatic but had an inhaler as he has had breathing problems in the past he is having to use it twice every night to breath, has anyone got any thoughts.

Going to insist on an appointment tomorrow and also speak to EP’s secretary.

[jeanjeannie50]

I believe Sotalol is a heart rhythm controller and beta blocker combined. I took it very briefly many years ago.

When I first started taking Flecainide and a beta blocker I was in hospital and on a heart monitor constantly. I took it for a while after and then stopped. When it was prescribed again later, alongside a small dose of Metoprolol, I was told to go to my GP's surgery and have an ECG. I think it was something like 3-5 days later, this was to check that my heart was beating ok. Was your husband not told to do that regards Flecainide?

I've not heard of anyone saying Digoxin, or Bisoprolol has caused a problem like your husband has. I have a friend who takes Digoxin and it suits her well.

Friends of mine have a cough and cold, which is not covid, so I wonder if a different bug is going around.

I agree with you it sounds like a good idea to have a chat with a GP at your surgery tomorrow.

Jean

[Oak321 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Unfortunately when he was prescribed flecainide he should have been re prescribed bisoprosol but that went un noticed it was only when the letter came 2 weeks later that we knew and by that time it was too late he has already been in ACU.No mention of it being monitored either.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Oak321]

That is dreadful!

[Oak321 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Sure is, hopefully another change in medication will sort him out we are due to go on holiday in 2 weeks which will do him the world of good so fingers crossed 🤞

[doodle68]

Hello Oak maybe your husband would be better with the beta blocker Nebivolol which is usually more easily tolerated by those like myself with asthma or chest conditions.

I think it is more expensive than bisoprolol so not as widely prescribed.

[Oak321 in reply to doodle68]

Hi thanks will get him to mention this tomorrow.

[CDreamer]

Dry cough or productive cough? I only asked because I’ve had pneumonia a few times and that’s exactly how I’ve felt, especially lying down, best to be propped up. Had someone actually listened to his chest? If not I would insist someone does.

Hope you get some answers tomorrow.

[Oak321 in reply to CDreamer]

Hi it’s a productive cough pneumonia is our worry as he has had it before and was what started the AF.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Oak.

I'm in on this one.

You said it's night time when your husband has problems.

"he is having to use it twice every night to breath"

Has he been tested for apnoea ?

Paul

[Oak321]

Hi yes she has been tested and doesn’t have it, he does have gerd which causes breathing problems.

[Oak321]

Thanks everyone for your replies we ended up ringing 111 Dr called back and asked him to go in. He had listened to his chest it’s not an infection he suspects it’s the medication and advised ringing the EP’s secretary tomorrow.

[CDreamer in reply to Oak321]

I hope you get some answers from the EP and some suggestions.

[Morg4]

I was on Bisoprolol for two years and I developed a cough and breathing problems. This was before Covid and my GP sent me to a specialist at my local Hospital, they did so many tests for my breathing and ex rays for my chest. I had not realised it could me my medication and no one suggested it could be. Nothing was found with all the tests.I then read that Bisoprolol could cause problems. I asked my GP and he said I could come off them and see if I felt any better.

Within two weeks I felt so much better and the persistent cough had disappeared, I still have permanent AF and I am now on Verapamil 120 mg. with no cough.

[Fullofheart]

I had cough and breathing probs with bisoprolol too. Couldn't tolerate even small dose.Been on flecainide previously. Not monitored. Haven't heard of that before....but this was about 15 years ago.

Developed serious allergy to flecainide. It can be tricky finding the right meds. Wishing you luck.

[Buffafly]

My GP refused to put me on bisoprolol because I have chronic breathing problems. Diltiazem (calcium channel blocker) is the usual alternative.

[Susannz]

I have COPD as well as afib and my respiratory specialist said that anything ending in ...lol should be avoided by those with breathing difficulties. Unfortunately flecainide has the same effect for me, so am currently using diltiazem 120 x2 which seems to be keeping afib more or less under control.