How do I manage a patient whose arrhythmia is controlled on...

How do I manage a patient whose arrhythmia is controlled on amiodarone but who then develops hypothyroidism? 30/Nov/07 Answer: The CKS guideline on hypothyroidism notes in the clinical scenario on subclinical ... via NLH Question Answering Service

[Amiodarone and Blindness]

My Father had heart surgery about 1 year ago. After his surgery he was placed on Amiodarone for an arrhythmia.

About a month later his arrhythmia was controlled but he said it was like a roller shade was being pulled down over one eye. Within a week he started to have the same thing in the other eye. In two more weeks he could only make out shadows.

He is now almost completely blind and we attibute this to Amiodarone. He of course got off of it right away but it has a very long half life so that it stays in your system for a long time.

Warn people about this drug. It has many very dangerous side effects.

[Ketieruiz]

I took amio for 4 years and had several problems with not knowing that was the cause. I am having hypothirodism and it s been 10 years after amio, I hate that medication, but still do not know what to tell you to clear the blood, you should check his liver, kidneys, corneas, skin, etc. amio is something weird it almost kills people but it may also help others, otherwise i do not know why is it still available.

[P Bradway]

I am 68 years old and have been suffering from advance stage sick sinus syndrome with arrhythmia problems. I had a pace maker put in 2 months ago, but still suffer from atrial fib. My doctor has tried several meds to treat my arrhythmia. The latest, being pacerone. I have been taking the meds for 7 days, and on the 7th day I developed pain in my chest and breathing problems. My doctor says it is not the pacerone, but I know that it is. I stopped taking it, but still have tightness and some breathing problems. I have decided to see another doctor to control the arrhythmias without using meds, when I happen to see this forum on line. I sure hope I don't develope anymore problems from this stuff.