dronedarone

[Midnight2022]

i’ve been on amiodarone very successfully since a successful cardioversion last August but recently blood test showed effect on my thyroid so I’ve been switched to dronedarone which I haven’t started taking as yet. Apart from one episode this is the longest time for 12 years that I’ve been without AF and I’m really fearful about switching to another drug. However, I know I have to listen to Drs advice. My main concern is about the heart rate as my regular heart rate is rarely above 55 and can go as low as 45 from reading the leaflet. It would seem that this might be an issue for me on this drug. Any advice please?

[BobD Volunteer]

Multaq, (dronedarone) was touted as amiodarone without the iodine when first released. Amiodarone is highly toxic and should not be used long term for fear or several nasty effects it can cause so I quite understand why your doctor has suggested you come of it.

[mav7]

If I recall, jeanjeannie50 had a similar thyroid issue with amiodarone.

Perhaps she will comment and give ease to your doctor making the correct decision.

As for your heart rate, is your doctor aware of your average heart rate ? Would discuss with him or his nurse.

[jeanjeannie50]

Taking Amiodarone didn't prevent my AF attacks one bit. It damaged my thyroid and I'll now have to take medication for life to right that. My symptoms for an under active thyroid was bouts of extreme tiredness and I thought that was all part of AF. Afternoons I'd dig my trowel in the garden 3 times to remove weeds and then had to stop as it made me feel so exhausted. Would feel fairly ok mornings, but felt so drained afternoons I would usually need to sleep. Thank goodness you had a wise doctor who saw what was happening.

Jean

[Rubymurray25]

I was on Amiodarone and it really was the only drug to control my AF, however after 8 months it appeared to affect my eyes so I was switched to Dronedarone and 18 months on it has been a wonderful success. My heart rate is usually 50 bpm and Dronedarone hasn't changed that, I was dipping down to the early 40's bpm when on Bisoprolol, so happy all round at that moment.

[Jajarunner]

I took it without any issues but it didn't stop the AF. So now I'm on amiodarone which affects my thyroid a bit, but then I already was medicated for under active thyroid so we've increased the dose.

[dogsneedwalking]

I have been on Amiodarone since last March after an unsuccessful Ablation. Given by IV first in CCU then when discharged 10 days later on 200mg per day. I already had an underactive thyroid but must admit the Amiodarone along with the Bisoprolol made me feel like a 'zombie' most days but persevered as was still in irregular heartbeat so was given a Cardioversion last August and weaned off of Bisoprolol and Amiodarone reduced to 100mg per day. All was well until middle of December last year and it started again - lowest heart rate was 38/48 and highest so far has been 180bpm. I was told, however by my Cardiologist that the Amiodarone was the only thing keeping my heart in NSR as I was hoping to stop it completely. I have Cardiology in May so will ask more questions. Take care.

[Visigoth]

I’m on amiodarone and it definitely lowers the heart rate, but I’ve had no issues as a result of my rate varying between 45 and 55. So I don’t think you’ll find dronedarone any different in that respect - ie it won’t be lower than it is on amiodarone.

[Tomred]

Been taking dronederone approx 4 years hasnt stopped af but does help quell it along with bisoprolol.

[Nyhyttan123]

I have been on Dronedarone fo more than six years. I have sofar had no obvious side effects but take yearly blood tests for kidney and liverfunction . The effect on my afib has gradually decreased and I have an afib attack every two to three weeks with a duration of six to 12 hours. My Afib has been present for 21 years paroxysmally. Apart from Dronedarone I take Apixaban 1x2 and Bisoporol 1,25mg a day. I am 83 years of age and reasonably fit and active in part due to the benificial effect of Dronedarone.

[cbsrbpm]

Hi there, I have been on Dronedarone for approx 2 yrs. I was put on it after having a cardioversion when I had been in persistent AF for some months. My heart rate is around 60/65 and I still get breakthroughs from time to time. Can’t say I have sufffered any specific side effect, although I am taking quite a lot of medication for various problems. Don’t be afraid to give it a try. I was on Amioderone for a few months after my last ablation but didn’t like taking it at all. We all react differently to medication’s so we have to sometimes suck it and see. Good luck.

Brenda