advice please

[Jcvi]

hi, after a failed ablation about a year ago I have been put on 100mg of flecanide daily. My af was only lasting an hour or so but was becoming more frequent. My fear is that the flecanide is an agressive drug I don’t really want to be on long term. Does anyone have any opinions on the affects of flecanide long term as everything I read doesn’t seem too positive?

Thank you

[Bingofox007]

Hi. I was put on same dose as you after chemical cardioversion for PAF in 2022. After 4 months it was discontinued as it gave me atrial flutter. I’ve not taken anything in it’s place but not had that sensation since. Friend of mine has taken it for years with great effect. I keep it as pill in pocket now. Take care 🦊x

[Jcvi in reply to Bingofox007]

Thanks for the reply

[mav7]

Did the prescribing doctor indicate you will receive periodic EKG’s and blood tests to monitor any effect ?

You may receive different opinions here but your doctor thought this as best after the failed ablation. May want to discuss with him further about your concerns.

[Jcvi in reply to mav7]

I have a theee month follow up.

[AAJJTt]

Hi, not sure, what ‘long term’ is. I’ve been on it for 4+ years now. - daily 150mg plus extra 100mg for PiP, if required (which it hasn’t). The Flecainide has been fantastic for me, really stable, no side effects, that I’m aware of. I had one AF episode (Jul 20), which spontaneously synced to NSR. Since then I am 3+ years ‘Afib free’.

[Jcvi in reply to AAJJTt]

Very positive thanks

[Finvola]

I've been taking 200mg of Flecainide daily for over 9 years. It has stopped my frequent AF episodes completely - it did cause some short runs of AFlutter at the beginning but not in several years.

I am monitored by my cardiologist every 6 months and I feel well. It has been a life-changer for me - giving me my life back, in fact.

Remember, not every side effect listed will affect every person using the drug.

[Jcvi in reply to Finvola]

Thanks good advice

[Globe-J]

Hi,

Please explore all options. I had the Maze Procedure some years ago and have been free of AF ever since. No medications either

J

[Tapanac]

I have been on it since 2018 snd found it miracle drug. I have asked my EP about its long term effects and he wasn’t concerned

[Jcvi in reply to Tapanac]

Thanks for your reply!

[bassets]

I was once taken off dilitiazem and told to have 100mg twice a day of flecainide in place by an A&E doctor. Having taken 50mg twice a day I didn't think anything of it but I was ill for a month before I could get this changed back. The higher dose didn't suit me, but I have been on the 50 mg twice daily for a year now after my ablation and it is keeping my AF away. I hope you can sort this out so you are comfortable with whatever you are taking Perhaps you could reduce the dose and have something else to help? It would be worth talking to your doctor again about this. Best wishes.

[Jcvi in reply to bassets]

Thanks for your advice

[wilsond]

I have been on flec.for years,no issues. Regular tests for kidney and liver function. I had an ablation last year as eventually the AF was getting the upper hand.My EP prefers to keep one on flec for 9 months after ablation to ensure remodelling takes place. As I gave had a few breakthroughs,(4) I remain on it until I get a touch up ablation ( if needed,there is an 8 month wait)

Your heart has to be basically sound for it to be prescribed.

[sdweller]

I've been on Flecainide for 4 years now, it has given me back my life. At first, I think i felt a little sluggish on it, but now I don't notice any side effetcs at all. It has been around a LONG time, (for years it was used for other issues than afib), so the safety of it is well documented. Would I rather NOT be on any drugs? Of course...but I would MUCH rather be in NSR!!!

[Jcvi]

great thanks for your positive comments

[Kateydog]

I have been on 150mg daily for at least 10 years with no ill effects. Recent call to hospital resulted in a suggestion that I changed! I said no, don't try to fix what doesn't need fixing! GP agreed. Take Rivaroxyban as well. (I am 86.)

[secondtry]

You are on a low dose of Flec.

Flec is a relatively old tried and tested drug.

Some Forum members have been on it for a long time up to 30yrs without significant side effects. I have been on twice you dose for 10+ years with no problems.

I would focus on making sure your diet/other lifestyle changes are optimised and have annual blood tests in particular kidney and thyroid as well as an ECG.

[Jcvi in reply to secondtry]

Thanks for the positive comments and advice