Allergic reaction to Amiodarone

[Jeans1234]

I have been taking Amiodarone for 1 year and since May 2022 every time I go in the sun my skin starts to itch. Does anyone else have this problem? (I have persistent AF and I am on the waiting list for an ablation).

[Desanthony]

This is a side effect I believe. I was on amiodorone for about 3 months around my 2nd successful cardio version and was told to use total sun block when going into the sun. Fortunately I had no side effects and generally forgot to use the sun block but had no problems.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Desanthony]

You were lucky, it's very unpleasant, like being stabbed with needles. Lasts for several minutes. I have to wear factor 50, wear a hat and cover up, not easy.

[Jalia]

You should have been made aware of the need to avoid the sun whilst on Amiodarone ! This is very important. Sunscreen used to be available on prescription for those on this drug in days of yor!

I've taken this drug on several occasions and really needed to cover up otherwise it would be itchy skin !! Try E45 itch relief cream.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Jalia]

Thanks

[Desanthony in reply to Jeans1234]

You could also try Eurax cream or ask the pharmacist for their recommendation.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks, I will check

[10gingercats]

I have had a dreadful reaction on two occasions when I have had antibiotic.I believe it is not unusual to get skin reactions with meds.

[Jeans1234 in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks

[MummyLuv]

I amiodarone causes photosensitivity. Burn can be nasty and can also cause skin scarring if bad, I’m Scottish pale skin and so had to be really careful when I was on it, like you say factor 50 and cover up x

[BobD Volunteer]

It is so sad that you apparently were not warned of this effect which is so well known and understood. You should have been told to avoid sunlight and where unavoidable use factor,50 and very large hat.

[CDreamer]

My husband has been on Amiodarone for 3 years and received multiple warnings from EP, GP & Pharmacist about staying out of sunlight - period. It’s really important to do so when on Amiodarone. There are also clear warnings on the info leaflet

[Rubymurray25]

I was warned about the sun when I was on Amiodarone but one day got caught up in a conversation for about 15 minutes whilst in the sun was on my cheek and now have a light pinkish patch which shows as I have olive colour skin....I had a hat on but totally underestimated the sun's mid morning heat!

[Jeans1234 in reply to Rubymurray25]

Funny you should say that as I have noticed a pinkish mark on my nose which won't go away

[Nannysue1]

I was on amioderone for 6yrs. As a sun lover, I was pretty gutted to be told to stay out of the sun. On one occasion, I got caught out and got burnt, my face swelled up and I had to have steroid injections to counteract the effect. All very nasty. You are at high risk of having sun sensitivity on this drug and really need to take it seriously.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Nannysue1]

Thanks. You're right, I'm only just beginning to realise how hard that's going to be. In this hot weather it's almost impossible to stay out of the sun if there is no shade while walking to the train station!

[Ducky2003]

It's a listed side effect, which is why I always read the leaflet that comes with tablets rather than rely on doctors telling you stuff.I did have a photosensitive reaction when I first started using it but not anymore.😊

[Jeans1234 in reply to Ducky2003]

Good news to hear you no longer react to the sun

[Fullofheart]

It's not so much an allergic reaction or even a side effect, it's a well known effect of amiodarone. They, usually, tell you to stay out of the sun. You should have been counselled on this. Take care!

[Jeans1234 in reply to Fullofheart]

I did know about the side effects, I now have underactive thyroid as a result of taking the drug. I have to take Thyroxine and do a 2 monthly blood test for thyroid, liver & kidney damage

[Fullofheart in reply to Jeans1234]

Yup, me too!! It's a serious drug.

Hope things settle for you.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Fullofheart]

Thanks, at least it has one benefit of keeping me in normal sinus rhythm!

[Jeans1234 in reply to Fullofheart]

Thanks.it's hard for me to keep out of the sun completely though as I have to go out and I don't drive

[Barb1]

Yes. I turned down amiodarone because of spending a lot of time in Cyprus.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Barb1]

What did they offer you instead? My consultant said all drugs have side effects

[Barb1 in reply to Jeans1234]

It was after an ablation. EP settled for injection during and after instead. It worked.....for 5 years. If not, I would have gone onto dronedarone.

[Fullofheart in reply to Jeans1234]

I'm now on dronedarone.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Fullofheart]

Does it have any bad side effects?

[Fullofheart in reply to Jeans1234]

No but not nearly as effective unfortunately. And still not one you want to be on long long term. Still need regular tests for liver and kidney function.

[Goosebumps]

When I was put on Amiodarone the warnings about going out in the sun were clear in the side effects leaflet and it was even printed on the label that was attached to the tablet packet. I didn’t have any sun issues luckily, but I did use factor 50 sunscreen.

[Jeans1234 in reply to Goosebumps]

I wear a hat and use factor 50 but I still get the awful itching and prickly heat

[Jajarunner]

I was told to always use factor fifty, which I do anyway xx

[Figbar]

What dosage of amiodarone?

[BlueINR]

Amiodarone increases sensitivity to sun, so you might want to keep sun exposure at a minimum. This is a side effect and not an allergic reaction. All meds, even OTC, have side effects that can be undesirable. A true allergic reaction would be when you can't breathe and your airway closes up which is otherwise known as anaphylaxis and can kill you if not treated immediately.

It may not be the easiest thing to do if you're in the hospital, but ALWAYS read the package insert for any med you're taking. Now that they're available online, it's very easy to read a package insert. In the "old days" when it came with an Rx med in a box, the paper it was written on was as thin as tissue paper, print was very tiny, and it had been folded about 96 times.

Read package inserts online, so much easier and something you should read for all meds taken.

[Afibflipper]

I was severely allergic to Amiodarone and on day 4 I had to stop it - you apparently have to wear high sun factor, cover up etc but my reactions were to the drug - severe itching and prickling/stinging of all over skin, burning in throat, lungs I felt I could trace their shape in my chest, my ears, tongue and lipsWorst thing I’ve ever taken and now use Flecainide