Atrial Fibrillation - has anyone been on amiodarone for longer than 3 yrs? Are you having any sideeffects? I have been sinus rythym for 3 yrs, but wonder how long Im supposed to be on this drug.
Amiodarone, how long are you meant to be on this drug, anyone been on it for more than 3 years?
Question posted by alreadyhealed on 21 May 2011
Last updated on 27 July 2023 by 69golf
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7 Answers
69golf
27 July 2023
I'm 85yrs old and I have been on amiodarone 100mg since 1996 without any further problems. I had atrial fibrillation less than one day and have asked the doctor many times if I should come of it. He said how do you feel I said "fine". He said I could come of it if I wished but seeing that I'm "fine" he recommended that I stay on it. I play golf, bowls and snooker as well as doing all the housework and cooking. I think keeping your mind busy is very essential.
Ed from Blackpool.
Ebolda
18 Jan 2023
My mother was on amiodarone for 5 years, age 80 to 85. She had lung disease, developed shortness of breath and cardiologist increased her dose. She died of amiodarone lung toxicity (per death certificate). On her death bed, she introduced me to her cardiologist as “the dread Lisa.” I had given her a NEJM article explaining why the drug was contraindicated for her when she first began taking it, and asked that she share it with her cardiologist, which she did. My friend’s 88 year old father (no lung disease diagnosed) was put on it — by same cardiologist — and died within 2 months, also from amiodarone lung toxicity. I suspect at least one other family friend with same doc had same outcome but chose not to reach out to his family.
Amiodarone for a fib is an off label use with black box (FDA) warning. There is a .gov website where they track deaths attributed to amiodarone lung toxicity.
My Mom essentially drown in the foam the drug caused in her lungs - she was in pain asking to die and lingered longer than she or I wished.
Beware this cure may be worse than learning to live with and manage a fib.
jenkins007
9 Aug 2022
Ask your doctor to try Sotalol. That really stabilized my a-fib. Had to be in the hospital for short 3 days (afternoon on Monday and left early afternoon Wednesday) for monitoring. But my a–fib would come and go taking another beta blocker. After taking Soralol (160mg twice per day), it has not come back. No problems with the meds, i.e. no side affects that I've noticed so far. However, I am tired of taking all these meds and want to get off them.
I am punting and going for the Wolf Mini–Maze procedure so I can get off the anti–coagulant, Sotalol, and the diuretics. It has a 97% success rate compared to the normal oblation which has a 57.1% success rate after 12 months. It is scheduled for the end of this month.
Ottoflock
26 March 2018
I have been taking this for 5 years 200mg now Dr increased it to 300mg because of afib to low
Jan Darby
11 Oct 2017
I've been on it for over 5 years and now getting side affects. It has affected my eyes and my hands tingle all the time. My cardiologist doesn't want to take me off it but I am seeking a second opinion from an Electrophysiologist at the end of November. I see my cardiologist at the end of this month.
bostonterrier
6 Jan 2012
Been on Amiodarone since 2006 when had congestive heart failure caused by AF. Had ablation procedure in 2008 but the AF still comes back n lasts months until I get cardioversion. Had cardioversion 6 times to stop reoccuring AF. I don't feel Amio is right for me n talking to Dr. about changing. I feel it effects my memory, I'm tired, now I take inhalers for my lungs and I never smoked!! It didn't help me but they scare me to keep taking it. Other side effects are shortness of breath, my vision got worse and can't concentrate like I used to.
nanajkb
27 May 2011
My husband is 71 and has been on Amiodarone since 2001. Long story, but he had a badly torn esophagus, became septic and spent most of three years hospitalized, with 8 surgeries. He wasn't expected to live but is doing fairly well. However, this left him with severe heart problems. Although we didn't want him on this med (our grandson has a heart problem and they managed to avoid putting him on it) because we were aware of the side-effects. As far as we know, my husband will be on it permanently. He has developed thyroid problems and is now on thyroid meds. He also has developed scarring on his corneas which is affecting his vision so that he can no longer drive. He has chest x-rays every 6 months and blood work every three months. He just had an eye exam today and they are referring him to an opthomologist to see if a corneal transplant might be possible.
They will also be doing eye exams every six months to ensure that the scarring is not worsening. Right now, our biggest concern is that the scarring will eventually cause blindness which is a rare side effect of this med. We are also going to see if there is any other possible med that they can now put him on. In 2001, there was not another med that worked on him. Your best option is to discuss this med with your doctor and, if necessary, ask for a 2nd opinion from a different doctor. Everyone has different heart problems and only your doctor(s) can help you make the right decision. Good luck!
alreadyhealed
27 May 2011
Thank you so much for answering me. I am 49 and have been on amiodarone since I was 46, they have offered me dromedarone which is an alternative to amiodarone. It is 250.00 per month and right now I pay 10.00 per month for amiodarone. I am going back to my heart doc and have a chat, thank you so much. And remember we still trust God. Thanks
Related topics
atrial fibrillation, amiodarone, sinus
Further information
- Amiodarone uses and safety info
- Amiodarone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amiodarone (detailed)
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