Amiadarone side effects

[Jishuang44]

I have been on Amiadarone and a whole host of other drugs since late February, when I had cardiogenic shock followed by a cardiac arrest.

In the past few weeks I have developed a blocked tear duct with bleeding from it, and a very nasty, lumpy, red and sore-feeling rash on my hands and lower arms which looks very unsightly and is driving me crazy (the rash came up after unexpectedly being caught in the sun). My doctor thinks these are both Amiadarone side effects but has pretty much told me to put up and shut up.

Has anyone else had either of these side effects and if so, what did you do to get rid of them?

What alternatives are there to Amiadarone? I have cardiomyopathy and heart failure so I guess any new drug would also have to also work in terms of these.

[BobD Volunteer]

It is often said that amiodarone does not have side effects. It has effects! One of those is photosensitivity, hence your current problems. Your doctor should have warned you about this and should be able to advise you on treatment.

[CDreamer]

You are supposed to avoid ALL exposure to sunlight when taking Amiodarone and take every precaution when out and about using sun block on all exposed areas - especially ears - wear a hat and long sleeves. Sun sensitivity can be a serious effect of taking Amiodarone.

My husband has been on Amiodarone since 2018 now and has never had that reaction - but then he’s not allowed out without taking every precaution, even in winter! Every time we go to the cardiologist we are warned. Unfortunately he has also had to have many surgical procedures on his face and neck, including removal of part of his ear because of sun damage resulting in BCC’s but that’s not on Amiodarone but on working in the tropics with no protection for many years in earlier life.

Use sun block and moisturizer - wear cotton gloves even until the rash goes and stay out of the sun and should resolve eventually but I agree your doctor should have given advice on how to treat.

There is no other drug which is as effective as Amiodarone but also depends upon dose. My husband reduced dose to 100mg after about 12 months with no consequences.

[oscarfox49]

I can definitely confirm that the photosensitivity is very much an issue. I had hoped to speed my recovery from an AF caused stroke by sitting outside in the sunshine or even in shade under the trees but the amiodarone made this impossible as I became bright red after just a couple of minutes of exposure. The only option was to stay indoors or in deep shade. I also had a number of the skin problems and possibly other symptoms though I was on a number of new medicines at the time.

Something that worried me most was that my GPs kept prescribing me this or that and when I checked they were all contraindicated with amiodarone which seems to be incompatible with a host of other things (including certain foods). You would think GPs might check or if they don't pharmacists would warn you, but they don't. The pharmacist told me 'ask your doctor' when I pointed out that there was a serious contraindication with the medication prescribed.

If your doctor tells you to 'shut up', ask him if he has ever taken amiodarone to see what it is really like and ask why he thinks he can dismiss the well documented list of effects. Remind him that initially after Amiodarone was introduced it was withdrawn from use as the effects were thought to be on balance too harmful. It was only later that it was reintroduced when it was discovered it works for arrhythmia in many cases where nothing else will.

Talk to the cardiologist 'organ grinder' and not the 'monkey' GP who clearly does not understand this drug.

[Jajarunner]

I'm very sun sensitive now I'm on amiodarone, and I was fair and prone to heat rash before.Factor 50 always, shade where possible and zinc oxide on lips which are prone to swelling up.

On the plus side amiodarone has given me my life back after 10 cardioversions and three failed ablations in three years 🙏

[Poncegirl]

that drug will destroy your lungs

[CDreamer in reply to Poncegirl]

I think it’s more useful to say ‘may’. Always a risk:benefit analysis - if you have no other treatment options.

[Amiodaroneluck]

I had been on Amiodarone since 2010. Sun sensitivity was the major side effect, along with harmless amiodarone-caused cornea issues. I wear sunblock and hats regularly, even then I've had numerous pre-cancers removed and I'm not especially melanin-challenged.

[SamAdmin Administrator Arrhythmia Alliance AF Association]

Good afternoon Jishuang44

Thank you for your post on the Atrial Fibrillation support forum.

Sorry to hear you are having side effects from the amiodarone, hopefully someone on the forum maybe able to advise you .

Could you maybe talk to another medical professional with your concerns.

Kind regards

SamAdmin

[Cavalierrubie]

l think your GP seems out of touch. GP’s are not heart specialists, so you really need to see a Cardiologist for the proper monitoring and care that you need. I would insist on that, so don’t be fobbed off and take “no” for an answer. Only you know how you feel. All the best.

[Googleymoogly]

Amiodarone is the devil's poison. It will seriously destroy your lungs.

[Sheepbreeder]

Dronedarone is a very effective alternative for many without the iodine and without the complications associated with amiodarone.