Life Time use of Propafenone

[Rick101]

I experienced AF one time in 1999, taken to the hospital where I had two strokes and deep vein blood clot before being released 4 weeks later.  I was put on propafenone to convert my heart rhythm which took about 6 weeks.  I am still on propafenone 150mg 10 years later.  My current doctor says I will be on propafenone for the rest of my life.  I can not find any information available on the internet that relates to my specific case.  I am very concerned about being on this drug for the rest of my life when I had no indication of AF in my life until 1999 and of course no indication of AF since 1999 while being on propafenone.  Do you believe that I should be concerned and should I seek another opinion on life time use of propafenone.


This discussion is related to Propafenone.

[LindaTX]

Hi and welcome!  Maybe you had a-fib episodes before you had the strokes and blood clot but didn't realize it.  I assume you ARE on a blood-thinner ?  I am surprised you stayed in a-fib for 6 wks straight in 1999.  Did they not try to convert you by meds or cardioversion?  I  know how you feel about staying  on the propafanone for life.  Been there, done that with flecanaide and propafanone. I do know that you're supposed to have liver enzymes checked every so often on flec and probably on propafanone also since it is in the same category. I recently took myself off propafanone because I was getting a "pro-arrythmia" effect from it. Are you not having any side-effects or symptoms related to the arrythmia(s)?  Do you have a good cardiologist or electrophysiologist?  You need to have a good talk with him or her.  A 30 day holter monitor might be good for you to try to see what activity does show up.

[Jerry_NJ]

It is good news that you were converted to NSR with one of the more "gentle" and at a modest dose level too.  I have taken Propafenone at 225 mg three times a day for several years.  I did not notice any side effects, but sadly my AFib broke through, for reasons I'll not side-track this thread to explain.

I think it is always better to not take medication if possible.  I'd ask the doctor about trying to back you off of  the med, and if NSR holds you are home, and if AFib comes back you can go back on the med.  

My cardiologist has taken me off of Propafenone and off of high dose Rythmol SR (425 mg twice a day) "cold turkey" - so in my experience it is fine to just stop all at once.  Still would think a two step stop would be better, go to 75 mg twice a day for a month before a full stop.  Please, this is just my thinking and a suggestion for discussion with your doctor, I am in no way qualified to tell you what you should do.  

[Momto3]

Hi Rick101,

Sorry you had such a rough go with the AF.  Glad to hear things are stable now.  My story is not the same, but there is a little similarity.  I had thousands of PVCs/day for years.  They were always considered benign until I developed PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.  Because of the risk of worsening cardiomyopathy or CHF, I had the choice to stay on the propafenone for the rest of my life or try ablation(s).  I took antiarrhythmics for about 7 months, but ultimately went for the procedures.  Like you, my preference was not to be taking medication for the rest of my life. However, had the procedures not been successful, I would have been doing the same thing as you.  In my case, it was to prevent worsening CM or CHF.  Have you asked your doctor specifically why you need to stay on the medication?  Is ablation an option?

Connie