Reluctant to take amirodorone

[Geeps527]

My cardiologist has offered to prescribe amirodorone but after reading about the side effects and risks I’m not sure I want to take it. I sure would appreciate hearing about other members experience with this drug.

Thanks, Geeps

[etheral]

Hi, without knowing the details of your situation, it is impossible to make a recommendation. However, be aware that Amioderone can cause irreversible pulmonary fibrosis, thyroid dysfunction, liver toxicity, and numerous less serious side effects. I would consider it a drug of last resort, as there are many alternatives. Best, etheral

[Desanthony]

Usually amiodorone is prescribed short term before and after a second cardioversion whicj will hopefully ensure the cardioversion lasts longer. I was prescribed it in this situation and didn’t have any side effects other than a slightly raised thyroid count at the end of the course - I had blood tests every six weeks and was on it for I think 12 weeks altogether. The thyroid count was back to normal within 8 weeks after completion of the course and I have no ill effects whatsoever. There are people who have been prescribed it long term and some of those have also not had any side effects. You have to remember that everyone is different and some people will get no side effects, some will get a few but only slight side effects - or only one like myself. Others will have a few quite badly and have to stop taking it within weeks.

[john-boy-92]

Some people can tolerate it, whilst others have thyroid or visual issues. In a small percentage, I'm one, it causes pulmonary toxicity otherwise known as cryptogenic organising pnuemonia. That causes hypoxia requiring oxygen at 20 litres a minute plus steroids. If you survive, the prognosis is not good. I did survive and the conultants published a paper that is on the Internet. The paper has an image of my x-ray showing a mass in each lung; it looks similar to someone with a severe COVID infection. The paper was publshhed through the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and at the time was designated case of the quarter. If you are prescribed it, I can describe the symptoms to watch out for. My wife who is not medically trained, could always diagnose the chest sounds, as I had repeat incidences as I was weened off prednisolone over twelve months.

[Lilypocket in reply to john-boy-92]

Hi John , What an interesting post. How are you now,? What is the long- term outlook? Take care

[john-boy-92 in reply to Lilypocket]

That was in 2014. The prednisolone that I had to take causes high blood pressure. That may have been a contrbutory factor along with AF that caused a stroke in 2016. Prior to COVID I was in a walking group and, I covered 2000 km on a rowing machine. During COVID I was designated clinically extremely vulnerable. I have been OK with the four COVID vaccinations, but they cause mucus in the throat and a perpetual rotating cold. My eyesight and throid appears OK, but the stroke caused hemianopia so I don't have full eyesight anyway.

[Lilypocket in reply to john-boy-92]

Being so fit must have helped you plus your positive and pragmatic attitude. Pleased you didn't react badly to the vaccinations.Take care and I wish you all the best.

[TanyaSo]

I used Amiodarone about 10 years. Works perfect for heart. But too much side effects, and I stopped it.