Anyone else on Flecainide and taking famotidine/Pepcid for GERD?

Posted by domiha @domiha, 3 days ago

I have had GERD for years, and took PPIs. Five years ago, after a negative reaction to the long-term PPI use, the gastro doc took me off PPIs and switched me to Pepcid. That has worked. Well, in July I was put on Flecainide after an episode of paroxysmal AFib showed up on a monitor. Recently I have read that it can be dangerous to take famotidine if taking Flecainide as it can cause life-threatening arythmia in some cases. I will discuss with my cardio when I see him at my next appointment... but I'm just wondering if there is anyone else here on Flecainide that also takes Pepcid (famotidine) to control GERD??? If so, has your doctor commented on it? I cannot go back to the PPIs... and if I stop the Pepcid, the GERD will be much worse. 🙁 Best wishes to all... and Happy Holidays! Mike

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gloaming | @gloaming | 3 days ago

You might find something very close to your medication for GERD in this list:
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/flecainide.html
Please remember that, although there may be no apparent contraindication, even a slight one, mentioned in this article, it doesn't follow that YOU don't do well on the combination, especially when the two medications chase one another down the gut within an hour or two. You may have to spread them out during the day.

domiha | @domiha | 3 days ago

In reply to @gloaming "You might find something very close to your medication for GERD in this list: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/flecainide.html Please..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing this link. Very helpful.

bettycll | @bettycll | 1 day ago

Hi Mike - I am on Flecainide (100 mg twice a day) and I also take famotidine. I am now taking it every day. In fact, my doctor just suggested taking it twice a day. All of my doctors have a list of my medications, and no one has suggested a conflict. However, after reading the article (thank you for sending, Gloaming) - I will definitely be asking my doctors about this. I have been taking both medicines for 9 months, when I had AF. I have been out of AF since June and am still on the flecainide. I have not had any instances of arrhythmia, and I am well monitored because I have a pacemaker. I would say that the two medications have not cause a problem for me, and I hope they will not cause a problem for you, as well. Betty

domiha | @domiha | 1 day ago

In reply to @bettycll "Hi Mike - I am on Flecainide (100 mg twice a day) and I also take..." + (show)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with both meds, Betty!! I've been on both since July with no issues, so I don't expect any. But I will bring it up to my cardio when I see him next. Happy Holidays!! Mike

gloaming | @gloaming | 16 hours ago

Note that there is an apparent possible unwanted effect if a person using flec also takes apixaban (Eliquis), but no apparent interaction if you are on, or switch to (with cardiologist's say-so) rivaroxaban.

domiha | @domiha | 15 hours ago

Good to know. Adding it to my list of things to discuss with my cardio. Thank you!!

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