How Flecainide works query?

[Afibflipper]

I’m new to Flecainide 100 twice a day. Was on Bisoprolol 5mg now on 10mg.

I have persistent AF - is Flecainide to keep the heart beat at what the bisoprolol sets it at or is Flecainide supposed to the rate?

At bisoprolol 5 it was jumping around high to low, at 10 it’s staying a little more stable but still jumps a bit (I’m more tired but not as dizzy) - how can I tell if Flec is working or just the bisoprolol? Thank you

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Basically the idea is the two complement each other. The Bisoprolol lowers the heart rate but doesn't always stop periods of increased heart rate fir no apparent reason. Flecainide should (I am crossing my fingers 🤞 for you) reduce and hopefully eliminate these attacks. Let us know how it goes.

[Afibflipper in reply to MichaelJH]

Ok thank you, do you know if your body has to get used to it over time as been on it 3 weeks and that’s why they upped the bisoprolol as was still all over the place (maybe they’ll increase the Flecainide whenI next see them! Will let you know

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Afibflipper]

I believe it takes 3 - 4 weeks for the combination to reach its maximum effectiveness in cases of AF so it sounds like it needs further tweaking.

[Afibflipper in reply to MichaelJH]

Just got letter today to say stop Flec as in abnormal Flutter now prob caused by the Flec so watch space back on

[BobsBeat]

Flecainide is an AAD (Anti-arrhythmic drug) and is typically used to get someone in or keep someone in NSR (Normal Sinus Rythm). The Bisoprolol is a Beta Blocker and is used to keep heart rate down so the heart's not working as hard.

If you are in AFib persistently, your heart rate will be erratic (swinging), even if the rate is lower and controlled. The goal while in AFib is to keep the HR between 60-100 bpm while at rest (active will be higher). Did the EP explain his goal in prescribing the Flecainide? Is he trying to get you into NSR more often? Best of luck!

[Afibflipper in reply to BobsBeat]

I had cardioversion and the bisoprolol was at 15, post CV reduced to 5 & Flec added. Lasted 4 days in NSR then back in PAF. Incr bisoprolol as heartbeat increased - ideally slow down - may have to increase back up to 15 - don’t know if another CV will be on the cards till see againThanks BobsBeat

[Afibflipper]

Thank you for that - I’ll ask when I see them

[OrdinaryGuy]

As far as I'm aware Flecainide is to stop A/F Events and Bisoprolol to slow the heart beat down generally. You should check with your Specialist or Heart Rhythm Nurse. Ring British Heart Foundation if it is difficult to get an answer from the GP - Hospital. You should consider if possible asking your specialist about the catheter ablation procedure. Two of these procedudres, a year apart, stopped my regular A/F events (after ten years of experiencing them) - although I have to stay on some daily medication (but not Flecainide). Best of luck.

[Afibflipper in reply to OrdinaryGuy]

Thank you - I’ve had 2 ablations both pretty awful complications 10&16 years ago not keen to repeat though they are on the table with extras - decided to see what meds first I can try before thinking of them &risk factors. Really glad you’re ok following yourself tho