Stay in the hospital for Tikosyn dosage

[Likethecolorblue]

I am going into the hospital for 3 days to determine the dosage I will take for Tikosyn. Can someone share with me what to look forward to. Did you have to have cardioversion during your stay? Is it scarry? Just dreading it not knowing what to expect.

[BobD Volunteer]

The drug is not licensed in UK or Europe so you will have to wait for US replies.

[Likethecolorblue in reply to BobD]

is this website a UK website? Thank you for your reply.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Likethecolorblue]

Yes of course Atrial Fibrillation Association formed in 2007 is part of Arrhythmia Alliance, a UK charity though we do have a US office and branch. We have branches world wide.

[Likethecolorblue in reply to BobD]

Thank you!

[Snowgirl65]

I had no problem with Tikosyn. I hated that I had to be in the hospital for 3 days when I felt fine, but they had to measure all my urine output to determine the Tikosyn dosage. This was at a time when my a-fib episodes were increasing and my other meds didn't work anymore. I've since had an ablation and gone off the drug. I hope this helps.

[Likethecolorblue in reply to Snowgirl65]

I have bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome (bp goes from 50 up to 200). I have been to the ER 5 times and had two cardioversions and coverted the the other 3 times with Cardizen IV. I am getting a pacemaker next week to keep bp from going too low and next month will go to the hospital to be dosed with Tikosyn. Dreading being put into AFIB for the dosage of Tikosyn - too scarry! But if it will help me from having these episodes, I am willing to try. Thank you so much for your reply. I did not know you can get off the Tikosyn with an ablation. I will ask my doctor about this! Thanks again!

[Snowgirl65 in reply to Likethecolorblue]

You're very welcome. Just remember that you'll be in the hospital while having the Tikosyn evaluated in your system, so you'll be in good hands. Wishing you well, Likethecolorblue!

[etheral]

I spent 3 days in the hospital 4 years ago getting dosed with Tikosyn. I was in afib at the time. I was continously monitered in case of Ventricular Arrythmia that would require i.mediate treatment. EKGs were taken several times a day to measure the Q-T intervale.. I converted to NSR while being loaded with Tikosyn. A CV would have been necessary if I stayed in afib. The main discomfort was boredom, partially alleviated by online Twitter rants, movies and brought in Thai food. Tikosyn has kept me in NSR for 4 years without any arrythmias or dicernable side effects. Please don't stress over this hospital admission as there is nothing to worry about. Best,etheral

[Likethecolorblue in reply to etheral]

Thank you! I have had CV twice and converted with Cardizen iv twice. This is very scarry. But I guess if this will help me from going into arrythmia, it will be worth it. It is encouraging to hear that it is working for you. Maybe I will have good results. Thank you for replying.

[indy64]

I've had multiple day (3-4) Tikosyn loading twice after two ablation surgeries. For the most part they were looking to keep my numbers in line to prevent a prolonged Qt interval. It is highly regulated in the US. Only certain licensed doctors can prescribe and only specific pharmacies can dispense. The pharmacies are not allowed to have Tikosyn on premises at all times and had to have my refills dropped shipped with a three day notice. Very regulated US.

And yes, the multi day loading is boring.

[Likethecolorblue in reply to indy64]

Thank you for your reply!

[etheral in reply to indy64]

No problem getting Tikosyn at local chain pharmacies in rural Maine.

[frazeej]

Tikosyn seems to be growing in popularity here in the States. I have been told by my cardio guy that three days in hospital is required to "titrate" the dose, and it can't just be any old community hospital, it has to be one with a 24 hour available cardiac "crash" team. The statistics showing the number of patients that in fact experience Torsades de Pointes and then V-fib during this "titration" experiment is quite alarming! I told my cardio guy, "no thanks". On the plus side, talking with friends that have gone through the ordeal, they are very happy with the effects of Tykosin.

[Likethecolorblue in reply to frazeej]

I will be in a hospital with a cardio unit and cardio icu. You are put into afib to determine the dosage of the Tikosyn. This is so scarry because I have had cardioversion twice (one in an ambulance without any pain med). It was the most terrible pain I have experienced, lasted a second, screamed to the top of my lungs, and converted back to normal. I pray this does not happen again but I have to do something and my dr. thinks this is the way to go. I read what you mentioned and I don't blame you. My doctor wanted to try this tikosyn earlier this year and I said no, but now I am desparate. I am 82 years old and want a few more good years. Thank you for your reply and good luck to you!

[frazeej in reply to Likethecolorblue]

Blessings, and best of luck to you also, sir! Everyone will eventually choose what's best for them at the time, and it sounds like you will be under good care! Cheers!

[Likethecolorblue in reply to frazeej]

Actually, I am a 82 year old female and willing to try what the doctor says. I can only trust the doctor and pray to the good lord. Thank you for your reply and good luck to you.

[frazeej in reply to Likethecolorblue]

Sorry Ma'm!

[Likethecolorblue in reply to frazeej]

no problem! I am sorry I corrected you as it really does not matter - it was your thought I appreciate.

[Islandee]

I did the 3 day Tikosyn trial about 6 months ago. They started on the highest dose and I had a problem with the QT interval so then went to the next dose down and finally my body accepted the lowest dose. The nurses were very attentive and checked on me so often that I didn't get very bored. I did read a lot. Tikosyn did not work for me but it does for so many people. I hope it works for you.

[Likethecolorblue in reply to Islandee]

Thank you! This AFIB is a terrible thing. I stress over when my episode will be. Hope the tikosyn works! Good luck to you!