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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
medication side effect
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medication side effect
by C.N., Jan 10, 2001 12:00AM
Since I began taking amiodarone about 2 months ago, I have developed elevated liver enzymes, specifically the ALT level. I also get significant edema, which lasix controls most of the time, then it comes back and the dose is increased. I am taking 400mg of amiodarone daily. My Question is:
Is it common for amiodarone to cause elevated liver enzymes, can that cause edema? If the cause is the medication is that a reason to stop taking it? This med. is a last resort before an av node ablation. I am in my early 30s.
Also, My pacemaker is set not to go below 75 bpm during the day and 55 bpm at night. Since starting the medication, I have noticed at night after the rate goes down, that my heart rate is completely irregular. It pauses, it goes fast, and continuously does this. I didn't mention it to my doctor because I assume they are just PVCs and from what I read those are benign.
My question is:
Is this true that it is benign? Can you think of any reason this problem would start since being on this new medication, and always after my pacemaker sets up for night time? Should I mention this to my cardiologist?
Thankyou so much for answering me. I have learned a great deal from this forum, and I think it actually makes me feel unafraid of most everything that has happened just from having a better understanding
Is it common for amiodarone to cause elevated liver enzymes, can that cause edema? If the cause is the medication is that a reason to stop taking it? This med. is a last resort before an av node ablation. I am in my early 30s.
Also, My pacemaker is set not to go below 75 bpm during the day and 55 bpm at night. Since starting the medication, I have noticed at night after the rate goes down, that my heart rate is completely irregular. It pauses, it goes fast, and continuously does this. I didn't mention it to my doctor because I assume they are just PVCs and from what I read those are benign.
My question is:
Is this true that it is benign? Can you think of any reason this problem would start since being on this new medication, and always after my pacemaker sets up for night time? Should I mention this to my cardiologist?
Thankyou so much for answering me. I have learned a great deal from this forum, and I think it actually makes me feel unafraid of most everything that has happened just from having a better understanding
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB, Jan 10, 2001 12:00AM
Amiodarone can cause elevated liver enzymes as a side effect. If the elevation is significant, the medication will need to be stopped. Your doctor will be able to make this assessment. This elevation of liver enzymes should not cause fluid retention though.
PVCs are indeed generally benign. I cannot however determine if that is what you have just from reading your letter, so it is worth mentioning to your cardiologist. Amiodarone can also slow down the heart rate, and this may cause your pacemaker to kick in more - you can discuss this possibility with your cardiologist.
PVCs are indeed generally benign. I cannot however determine if that is what you have just from reading your letter, so it is worth mentioning to your cardiologist. Amiodarone can also slow down the heart rate, and this may cause your pacemaker to kick in more - you can discuss this possibility with your cardiologist.
