Dronedarone Update

[Vince1001]

I have been using Dronedarone (Multaq) now for over 3 years since my poor experiences on Bisoprolol. I wonder if there’s any other long-term users of Dronedarone on this forum?

I am delighted to say that things are still fine. I still get some breakthroughs of about once or twice per month from 2 to 18 hrs hours. Most importantly in all this time I haven’t woke up once at night to find my heart racing, which is BLISS. I feel the med is doing its job and actually controlling the rate.

There’re no adverse reactions so far. Regular monthly blood tests (liver & kidney function) are still ok

I’ve such confidence in the med that I try now and just get on with my life. Luckily, I can usually self-revert to NSR within a couple of hours by light exercise/ entrainment.

I recognise that meds don’t last forever as they are effectively “holding back the tide”. I’m just enjoying things as they are.

I had a very detailed chat with the cardio last week during my 6 monthly check up. I felt that there were only minor issues from my AFib. No chest pain, shortness of breath, orthopnoea or oedema (fluid build up). ECG was all good. I couldn’t see the benefit in having an ablation just yet. Obviously, there are some limitations:

- I don’t do hill climbing anymore and I’m very careful in not quickly going up stairs etc as I found this can be a trigger.

- I now always “turn the other cheek” with people when a possible argument is brewing.

- I’ve given up alcohol…but that’s not really a bad thing

Any comments would be appreciated.

[Peony4575]

Glad it’s all going well for you. I find myself tip toeing through life trying not to wake the beast

[Cavalierrubie]

You sound as if you have AF under control and feeling much better. I think if the meds.are working and you have a good quality of life why rock the boat? If it’s not broken don’t fix it, I think once you have AF there will always be limitations. It is life changing in that way isn’t it? I am in the same position as yourself and waiting to see an EP with a view to ablation, but don’t feel it’s the right time yet. One ablation doesn’t always work and another is often needed so need to think seriously. Best of luck and keep well.

[Vince1001 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thanks Cavalierrubie. I'd be interested in hearing how you got on with the Ablation chat with your EP.

Vince

[Cavalierrubie]

Ok will do. I will get the results of my echo and holter monitor. I haven’t got a date yet, but l will put you on my follow list. I am very seriously undecided and don’t like the thought of my heart being burned unless it is absolutely necessary and my life is intolerable. We shall see …….. Take care.

[Tomred]

Im on dronederone along with bisoprolol , bisop for rate control and drone for rythym control , must be on both now for 4-5 years, kidney function slightly reduced this past year, i get episodes of af approx once per week lasting 24- 36 hours, but always threatening, it is subdued with these meds but certainly not a cure.

[JezzaJezza]

Hi I totally agree with everything you have written in your post.

I’ve been on dronedarone Multaq for 9 months and not had a single recurrence of SVT. I was still getting bad palpitations but bisoprolol 2.5 has greatly assisted.

I have massively embraced destressing my life both at work and home and like you will walk away from what I can see will be a triggering situation.

I still exercise but now only steady state such as power walking and have very sadly had to give up my Concept2 rower.

I gave up alcohol and now only drink 0-0 versions. I also gave up all forms of caffeine because for me that was a trigger for both SVT and palpitations.

I’m now on 6 monthly full bloods and all are absolutely fine.

Best wishes

Jezza