Hi everyone, l was diagnosed with PAF several months ago, l was immediately put on Apixoban and given Flecainide as a PIP. In May my Afiibs increased from 2-3 a month to 2-3 a week. Flecainide was increased to 100mg a day, and then 200mg a day. I still have breakthroughs but my biggest concern is the results of a blood test that my doctor requested. It shows the liver function as 'borderline' and my kidney function as 'acute kidney damage'.
This came as a shock as I'm 66 years old and have never had a single blood test show any problems with my liver or kidney function, and that included a blood test as recently as April.
I would appreciate any insights you may have before l see my GP next week.
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Did you have a blood test PRIOR to starting the drugs? Your GP should have arranged that for you.
Your post implied the blood test was April, you need another ASAP and I would suggest prior to your GP appointment to discuss whether or not the drugs have an effect, they shouldn’t taken properly with a full glass of water.
I would take advice asap and maybe worth giving the AFA a ring and or BHF helplines, they are really good at advising.
Good Liver & Kidney function are needed when on anticoagulants and especially Flecainide to ensure the drugs clear your system.
Hi there, my latest blood test was 25th June, that has come up with the results as mentioned. Back in April everything was fine, the only difference is taking Apixoban and Flecainide. I'm seeing my EP on Monday and hope to find out if either of these medicines are causing the problem.
Sorry about the test results, I think many of us also would be in "shock".
As others have stated, both Flecainide and Apixoban can affect both liver and kidney function, although not that common.
The other thing that can affect both of these tests is being dehydrsted. And the fact that you're afib episodes have increased to 2-3 times a week could easily cause dehydration.
In any event, whenever you receive unexpected blood results like this, the tests should always be repeated just to make sure there was no lab error. But in your case, I would make sure you're very hydrated starting now.
Personally, I found plain water not quite enough when I was having multiple aphid episodes and turned to sports drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte Sport for more rapid hydration and electrolyte replenishment.
Thanks for that Jim, some interesting points, l still go to the gym regularly and tend to drink a lot of water, l always considered myself as well hydrated but had no idea that Afiibs also dehydrated you. I will also ask for the test to be retaken.
Actually regarding exertion in sport UHT milk is better for you. And you can flavour it, organic cocoa, chocolate, vanilla etc.
Sports drinks are expensive buying a special sucking top everytime.
Time there was a refill bottle of the stuff and you realize it contains caffeine.
Some one recently passed away from having too much of the Sports Drink.
What about UP & GO 2 weetbix with minerals. Where do the oats one go to?
My Urologist said that there showed blood in my urine and he asked avbout the previous day. Oh, I said I played outdoor bowls all day. That would do it he said inflammation of the muscles!
I was referring to non-caffeinated sport drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte sport. For a number of reasons I don't use them every day, however I keep them around in case I go into afib or need fast hydration. Yes , like you say. you can make your own formulations, but unless you make them in advance, when I go into a fib, I barely have enough energy to get to the kitchen to grab the Gatorade
Off to the Kaitaia Market after Matariki a newish public holiday! Beautiful singing even by the men. I watched on TV. At Lake Tekapo. At Dawn at minus 1.
You need to have another blood test to confirm this. I recently had all my bloods come back abnormal. It stated on the results re/test, which my GP did, and they all came back satisfactory. There must have been a fault somewhere, but l do remember the nurse that did the first test seemed very inexperienced and flustered. It is an awful shock to get this result, but mistakes do happen. Get it confirmed before you believe this.
I’ve been taking Flecainide for some years (first as PIP and now at 100mg twice daily, it has virtually ended episodes) and understand that the blood tests are taken regularly to check liver and kidney function which the drug presumably might effect adversely.
First I hope that you got an ECHO prior to putting you on Flec...
Any abnormality to your heart structure should have told your medical staff not to give it to you.
I can't have it or an ablation or cardioversion.
I feel that your GP should have directed a stop to Flec.
Also high magnesium or potassium levels need watching as some meds contain these ingredients. A constipation med was given, I checked and no i wasn't to have it.
Phone up your cardiologist immediately for direction asap.
Are you taking any supplements? Please stop at the moment.
In the first instance usually it is reversible so some change needs doing.
Hi Joy, thanks for that, I'm seeing my cardiologist on Monday and this will be top of the agenda. I did have an Echo and it showed a healthy heart so I'm hoping they can quickly work out which medicine is the culprit.
I took Flecainide 200 mg/day during 2 years with almost no side effects. 3 months ago it lost its efficiency and I replaced it with 3 supplements: D-Ribose (15 grams/day), Ubiquinol and L-Carnitine. Have not had any other episodes since, and that is a month ago.
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