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Multaq questions
I am 56 years old. I was diagnosed with Atrial Flutter early January 2024. Successful cardioversion(cv) in February. Prescribed Multaq (400mg twice a day) after cardioversion(cv). Was on Diltiazem and Pradaxa prior to cv. No longer on diltiazem or blood thinners. I use an Apple watch every day. My resting rate for the last month was 42-49 bpm. I have had no recurrence of the flutter since cv, but the low rate concerns me and I want to stop taking the Multaq. I do exercise regularly and my blood pressure runs about 135/70. I don't have any recognizable symptoms from taking Multaq except the low heart rate. I'm really interested to know if anyone had similar response to this drug? I have an upcoming appointment with the Cardiologist and want to discuss coming off or discontinuing Multaq. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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https://www.medicinenet.com/multaq_dronedarone/article.htm
From the foregoing, it appears that one of the possible side-effects is bradycardia. Technically, HR less than 50 is considered to be in the range of bradycardia, and you're there. However, this is judged on a case basis. If you're an athletic person and have a history of low resting pulse, then maybe there's nothing to change and you might be better off sticking with the Multaq? This is something to run past the prescribing authority.
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2 ReactionsThank you for your response. The hardest part for me is not knowing what my resting HR was before the flutter. I look at the side effects of the drug and shudder. Thanks again!
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1 ReactionRemember, though, that these side effects are only those most frequently reported, and the insurers and practitioners all want to avoid lawsuits...so full disclosure. Drugs in widespread use, as Multaq is, are usually well and universally tolerated. Not always, not by everyone, and we're all individual cases who basically have to try it on for size to see what fits. Doctors have little option but to encourage you to see what works, at what dosage, and for how long it works trouble-free since sometimes a cumulative bio-availability in your system brings on unwanted side effects. The doctors do take into account your history, genetics if that info is available (some genes make some drugs intolerable due to metabolic differences), and the stage of your condition, not to mention other drugs you're taking that might interact with the new proposed drug adversely.
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3 ReactionsI understand what you are saying and greatly appreciate your knowledgable words. Thank you!
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2 ReactionsI started Multaq about a week ago and I have No energy. I believe it’s the reaction with other medications, my genetic makeup and possibly other things. Anyway, I don’t like it at all and plan to discontinue using it soon!!
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1 ReactionMultaq saved my life. But....I do understand the frustration. I lost 30 pounds once I got off it after my ablation. I wish I had done ablation sooner. Sending healing thoughts!
I’m encouraged reading any positive comments about Multaq. I’ve just started taking it ( 400mg 2X/day) to replace Flecanide which may have contributed to my ct calcium scan showing some moderate buildup. Fingers crossed that this will be fine(along with Metoprolol and eliquis). This is for paroxysmal afib. I’m still wary of ablations!
@mfpiano Ya gotta walk the path that shines the most light ahead of ya. I hope it works for you. If you ever want to learn more about ablations, what they're like, how it goes later, I invite the question. Personally, as a person who suffered badly when in AF, and whose AF began to act up more and more after the first three years on metoprolol...alone...I couldn't wait for that morning to come. Unfortunately, my first ablation didn't completely close a tight ring around my third pulmonary vein, but the EP agreed to try again seven months later (after eight weeks on the dreaded amiodarone). He did a few zaps around my third pulmonary vein after re-zapping the first two when my heart went into happy normal sinus rhythm. He knew right away he had finally found that small gap in the ring of scar tissue and that the sealed ring now prevented the rogue signal from issuing out into my left atrium and causing it to contract. And, with the new PFA technique, the risks are lower, and the results look very encouraging. I hope you can steel yourself to read up on ablations in case you finally have to agree to have one.
I'd certainly discuss this low resting heart rate with your cardiologist. It might be something to keep an eye on if the doctor thinks you should continue taking the Multaq if it's successful in controlling your A-flutter otherwise. From my own experience with bradycardia they may not be too worried at this point with a resting heart rate in the 40's as long as 1) you aren't symptomatic, ie, lightheaded, dizziness, shortness of breath, tiredness, associated with low heart rates, and 2) your heart rate goes up to normal or expected rates appropriately with your activity.
Or the doc may agree to find another medication that doesn't slow your heart rate so much.
@gloaming, thank you - I’ll continue to be aware of the ablation route. Hearing more success stories is good. Certainly, omitting beta blockers would be a huge plus.