Precautions
This can cause Tikosyn to build up, increasing your risk of side effects such as an arrhythmia.* (For more about possible side effects, see the “ Tikosyn side effects ” section above.) Some drugs shouldn’t be taken with Tikosyn at all. And other drugs should be taken with caution when used with Tikosyn.
What are the risks of taking Tikosyn with other medications?
In January 2016, the FDA determined that while safety risks for Tikosyn (dofetilide) still exist, the requirements of the REMS program are no longer necessary to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks.
Is Tikosyn (dofetilide) safe?
Tikosyn is available only from a hospital or specialty pharmacy. You will need to spend at least 3 days in a hospital setting when you first start taking Tikosyn. This is so your heart rhythm and kidney function can be monitored in case the medicine causes serious side effects. Follow all directions on your prescription label.
Where can I buy Tikosyn?
User Reviews for Tikosyn to treat Arrhythmia Tikosyn has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 51 ratings for the treatment of Arrhythmia. 75% of those users who reviewed Tikosyn reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect.
Does Tikosyn work for arrhythmia?
How should I take Tikosyn?
What should I avoid while taking Tikosyn?
What other drugs will affect Tikosyn?
What is Tikosyn medicine?
Can you take Tikosyn with dialysis?
Can you take Tikosyn with kidney disease?
Can you breastfeed while taking Tikosyn?
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About this website
What is the success rate of TIKOSYN?
In total, 148 patients treated with TIKOSYN (59%) and 86 patients treated with placebo (34%) were restored successfully to NSR (either pharmacologically or by direct current cardioversion). The primary end point in the DIAMOND studies was all-cause mortality.
What are the long term side effects of TIKOSYN?
The following adverse events have been reported with a frequency of <2% and numerically more frequently with TIKOSYN than placebo in patients with supraventricular arrhythmias: angioedema, bradycardia, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, edema, facial paralysis, flaccid paralysis, heart arrest, increased cough ...
Why do you have to stay in the hospital for TIKOSYN?
Why do I need to come in to the hospital? Although dofetilide is safe in most people, there are a small number of people who will have an exaggerated electrical effect from this medication. You will be monitored with an EKG (electrocardiogram) while on this medication to make sure this is not happening in your case.
Who should not take TIKOSYN?
TIKOSYN should not be used in patients with a baseline QT interval or QTc >440 msec (500 msec in patients with ventricular conduction abnormalities). TIKOSYN is also contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (calculated creatinine clearance <20 mL/min).
Will TIKOSYN stop AFib?
It's FDA-approved to treat certain forms of arrhythmias called atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter. An arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate or rhythm. To be specific, Tikosyn is used to: convert AFib or atrial flutter to a normal sinus rhythm (a healthy heart rhythm)
What is the safest antiarrhythmic medication?
Of all antiarrhythmic agents, dofetilide and amiodarone have been proven safe in patients with heart failure.
Is Tikosyn hard on the kidneys?
You should not take Tikosyn if you have severe kidney disease or a history of Long QT syndrome. Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with Tikosyn. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
Does Tikosyn have a black box warning?
Dofetilide has a Black Box Warning and may be subject to Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) under FDA safety regulations. Please refer to individual prescribing information for details. The recipient has a diagnosis of ONE of the following: Atrial fibrillation; OR....RevisionDatePolicy createdJuly 2020
How long has Tikosyn been used?
Tikosyn was approved on October 1, 1999 for the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm (delay in time to recurrence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter) in patients with atrial fibrillation /atrial flutter of greater than one week duration who have been converted to normal sinus rhythm (NSR).
When should I stop taking Tikosyn?
Maintenance of TIKOSYN Therapy If QTc or QT exceeds 500 milliseconds (550 msec in patients with ventricular conduction abnormalities), TIKOSYN therapy should be discontinued and patients should be carefully monitored until QTc or QT returns to baseline levels.
What happens if AFib can't be controlled?
If you still can't seem to get control of your AFib, doctors may recommend a procedure to wipe out the heart tissue that's causing the misfiring signals. It isn't surgery, but you will need a small cut. The doctor will thread a long, thin tube called a catheter through a vein from your leg or your neck into your heart.
Is dofetilide a safe drug?
Dofetilide may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
What does dofetilide do to the heart?
Dofetilide is used to correct irregular heartbeat of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to a normal heart rhythm. Dofetilide belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It works by slowing nerve impulses in the heart. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Is Tikosyn a beta blocker?
Is dofetilide (Tikosyn) a beta-blocker? Dofetilide (Tikosyn) doesn't belong to the class of medications called beta-blockers (medications that end in -olol such as metoprolol or cardvedilol). At normal doses, it doesn't have beta-blocking effects.
Can you exercise on Tikosyn?
Tikosyn (dofetilide) is an antiarrhythmic drug used to stop A fib (a chaotic heart beat) and keep people in normal heart rhythm. Exercise generally is considered safe with this medication, but I think a pulse monitor might be a good idea to make sure you aren't going into a dangerously high range.
Is Tikosyn expensive?
The cost for Tikosyn oral capsule 125 mcg is around $467 for a supply of 40 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
Can you drink alcohol with Tikosyn?
Limit alcoholic beverages. Dofetilide may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
What is the first drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?
Amiodarone as a first-choice drug for restoring sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomized, controlled study.
How do you stop atrial fibrillation naturally?
Examples of healthful habits to follow include:eating a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.exercising regularly.managing high blood pressure through both medications and natural treatments, if desired.avoiding excess intakes of alcohol and caffeine.More items...•
What is the drug of choice for rapid atrial fibrillation?
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control. These drugs are effective in reducing the heart rate at rest and during exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Do side effects from Tikosyn go away?
Some side effects of dofetilide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
What does dofetilide do to your body?
Dofetilide is used to correct irregular heartbeat of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to a normal heart rhythm. Dofetilide belongs to the group of medicines known as antiarrhythmics. It works by slowing nerve impulses in the heart.
What drugs should not be taken with dofetilide?
The following drugs can INTERACT with dofetilide....DO NOT take dofetilide (and tell your doctor) if you take:Cimetidine (Tagamet®).Cisapride (Propulsid®).Verapamil (Calan®, Covera-HS®, Isoptin®, others).Ketoconazole (Nizoral®).Itraconazole (Sporanox®).Trimethoprim (Proloprim®, Primsol®, others).More items...•
What happens if AFib can't be controlled?
If you still can't seem to get control of your AFib, doctors may recommend a procedure to wipe out the heart tissue that's causing the misfiring signals. It isn't surgery, but you will need a small cut. The doctor will thread a long, thin tube called a catheter through a vein from your leg or your neck into your heart.
Tikosyn: Side effects, dosage, cost, generic form, and more
Tikosyn (dofetilide) is a prescription capsule used to treat certain forms of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Learn about side effects, dosage, cost, and more.
Tikosyn (Dofetilide) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage ...
Find everything you need to know about Tikosyn (Dofetilide), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. Learn more about Tikosyn (Dofetilide) at ...
Tikosyn User Reviews for Arrhythmia - Drugs.com
"Tikosyn was and is the only thing that stopped my constant afib. We tried shocking and then ablation and neither worked. I didn't want to try Tikosyn since it required 3 days in the hospital, but since I was already in a hospital for the afib and dangerous blood pressure, I did it and am so glad.
Dofetilide (Tikosyn): a new drug to control atrial fibrillation
Dofetilide is generally well tolerated but like other class III drugs can cause torsades de pointes. The risk is dose-dependent and can be minimized by adjusting the dosage according to creatinine clearance and QT interval, by excluding patients with known risk factors for long QT syndrome and torsa …
What should I know about coming off Tikosyn?
Be sure to talk with your doctor before you stop taking Tikosyn. They’ll likely want to monitor your heart rhythm, including your QT interval ( a measure of your heart rhythm). This helps make sure they’re normal after you stop Tikosyn treatment.
What class is Tikosyn?
Tikosyn belongs to a group of drugs called class III antiarrhythmics, which are medications that are used to treat arrhythmias.
Why do I need to stay in the hospital when I start taking Tikosyn?
Tikosyn can cause an irregular heart rate or rhythm called an arrhythm ia ,* so your doctor will monitor you for at least 3 days after you start taking the drug. They’ll help make sure your heart rate and rhythm are normal and can treat you if you develop an arrhythmia. (Arrhythmias occur most often when you first use Tikosyn.)
Is Tikosyn a beta-blocker?
No, Tikosyn isn’t a beta-blocker. Tikosyn a type of drug called an antiarrhythmic. To be more specific, Tikosyn is a potassium channel blocker. Both beta-blockers and potassium channel blockers normalize your heart rhythm, but they work in different ways.
Can Tikosyn be crushed, split, or chewed?
It’s not known whether it’s safe to open up Tikosyn capsules. However, if you’re having trouble swallowing the capsules, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend a different medication that’s easier for you for you take.
How long does it take for Tikosyn to work?
Tikosyn should start working after you take your first dose of the medication. It may take a few doses before you start to notice a decrease in your AFib or atrial flutter symptoms.
What to do if you have a serious side effect?
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include: New or worsened arrhythmia *† (irregular heart rate or rhythm).
When did the FDA stop tikosyn?
FDA announced on March 9, 2016, the elimination of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Tikosyn (dofetilide) and its generic equivalent.
Why do you need to follow the labeled directions for initiation and dose selection of Tikosyn?
Prescribers should continue to follow the labeled directions for initiation and dose selection of Tikosyn in order to minimize the risk of induced ventricular arrhythmias.
Is Tikosyn a NSR?
Tikosyn is also indicated for the conversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to NSR. Tikosyn can induce serious ventricular arrhythmias and its label describes the requirement to initiate the drug in an inpatient setting with appropriate monitoring and dose selection. Under the REMS program, Tikosyn (dofetilide) could only be prescribed ...
Can a pharmacy dispense Tikosyn?
Pharmacies and health care facilities may dispense Tikosyn or its authorized generic without having to enroll in the Tikosyn and Authorized Generic REMS Program. Pharmacies may dispense Tikosyn or its authorized generic without verifying that the prescriber is certified in the Tikosyn and Authorized Generic REMS Program.
How many ratings does Tikosyn have?
Tikosyn has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 51 ratings for the treatment of Arrhythmia. 75% of those users who reviewed Tikosyn reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect.
Can you put Tikosyn on after ablation?
Yes No. “Put on Tikosyn (while in hospital) for 24 hours post cardiac ablation for A-fib. Doctors did not like the looks of the QT wave after 12 hours and reduced dosage by half. Doctors were still alarmed with EKG results after reduced dosage and 12 more hours; discontinued medication at that time.
How long should I stay in the hospital after taking Tikosyn?
Therefore, when starting, restarting, or increasing your dose with this drug, your doctor will recommend that you stay in the hospital for at least 3 days for proper monitoring. Before your doctor can prescribe this medication for you, your doctor must have completed the Tikosyn Education Distribution Program. Only pharmacies that have enrolled in the T.I.P.S. program may dispense this medication to you. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medication.
Can a doctor prescribe Tikosyn?
Before your doctor can prescribe this medication for you, your doctor must have completed the Tikosyn Education Distribution Program. Only pharmacies that have enrolled in the T.I.P.S. program may dispense this medication to you. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking this medication.
Are you currently using Tikosyn?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
What drugs can be used with tikosyn?
Such drugs include phenothiazines, cisapride, bepridil, tricyclic antidepressants, certain oral macrolides, and certain fluoroquinolones. Class I or Class III antiarrhythmic agents should be withheld for at least three half-lives prior to dosing with TIKOSYN. In clinical trials, TIKOSYN was administered to patients previously treated with oral amiodarone only if serum amiodarone levels were below 0.3 mg/L or amiodarone had been withdrawn for at least three months.
How old is too old to take tikosyn?
The safety and effectiveness of TIKOSYN in children (<18 years old) has not been established.
How many patients were involved in the tikosyn program?
The TIKOSYN clinical program involved approximately 8,600 patients in 130 clinical studies of normal volunteers and patients with supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. TIKOSYN was administered to 5,...
What to do if a patient is hospitalized for tikosyn?
If a patient is hospitalized or is prescribed a new medication for any condition, the patient must inform the health care provider of ongoing TIKOSYN therapy. Patients should also check with their health care provider and/or pharmacist prior to taking a new over-the-counter preparation. Electrolyte Imbalance.
What should a patient read before initiating tikosyn?
Prior to initiation of TIKOSYN therapy, the patient should be advised to read the Medication Guide and reread it each time therapy is renewed in case the patient's status has changed. The patient should be fully instructed on the need for compliance with the recommended dosing of TIKOSYN and the potential for drug interactions, and the need for periodic monitoring of QTc and renal function to minimize the risk of serious abnormal rhythms.
Does dofetilide affect QTC?
Because there is a linear relationship between dofetilide plasma concentration and QTc, concomi tant drugs that interfere with the metabolism or renal elimination of dofetilide may increase the risk of arrhythmia (Torsade de Pointes). Dofetilide is metabolized to a small degree by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme of the cytochrome P450 system and an inhibitor of this system could increase systemic dofetilide exposure. More important, dofetilide is eliminated by cationic renal secretion, and three inhibitors of this process have been shown to increase systemic dofetilide exposure. The magnitude of the effect on renal elimination by cimetidine, trimethoprim, and ketoconazole (all contraindicated concomitant uses with dofetilide) suggests that all renal cation transport inhibitors should be contraindicated.
Does Tikosyn cause ventricular arrhythmias?
TIKOSYN (dofetilide) can cause serious ventricular arrhythmias, primarily Torsade de Pointes (TdP) type ventricular tachycardia, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with QT interval prolongation. QT interval prolongation is directly related to dofetilide plasma concentration. Factors such as reduced creatinine clearance or certain dofetilide drug interactions will increase dofetilide plasma concentration. The risk of TdP can be reduced by controlling the plasma concentration through adjustment of the initial dofetilide dose according to creatinine clearance and by monitoring the ECG for excessive increases in the QT interval.
Most voted positive review
I have not experienced any further symptoms of AF since starting Tikosyn. What I have experienced is difficulty getting certain other medical procedures completed because of the medication interaction problems. Dental procedures requiring local anesthetics are not possible since I can not use any of the "cains".
Most voted negative review
Don't know how it is going to work, being switched from amioderone in a coupe of weeks, Has anyone else been switched? Little nervous about this
Shared reviews and ratings
One partly successful ablation with complications due to colbalt radiation 50 years ago for cancer. Tikosyn side effects seem to be blurry vision and bleeding of the retina. The 12 hour law is maddening at times, but wonderful to not have arrhythmias of various sorts any longer.
How long should you be monitored for tikosyn?
Patients should continue to be monitored in this way for a minimum of three days. Additionally, patients should not be discharged within 12 hours of electrical or pharmacological conversion to normal sinus rhythm.
How long after Tikosyn is administered should you check your heart rate?
Step 5. At 2–3 hours after administering the first dose of Tikosyn, determine the QTc or QT (if heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute). If the QTc or QT has increased by greater than 15% compared to the baseline established in Step 1 OR if the QTc or QT is greater than 500 msec (550 msec in patients with ventricular conduction abnormalities), subsequent dosing should be adjusted as follows:
What is the maximum dose of Torsade de Pointes?
The maximum recommended dose in patients with a calculated creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min is 500 mcg BID; doses greater than 500 mcg BID have been associated with an increased incidence of Torsade de Pointes.
How long does it take to wash out tikosyn?
If TIKOSYN needs to be discontinued to allow dosing of other potentially interacting drug (s), a washout period of at least two days should be followed before starting the other drug (s).
Can you discharge a patient on tikosyn?
Patients to be discharged on TIKOSYN therapy from an inpatient setting as described above must have an adequate supply of TIKOSYN, at the patient's individualized dose, to allow uninterrupted dosing until the patient can fill a TIKOSYN pre scription.
Can you take tikosyn after amiodarone?
Because of the unpredictable pharmacokinetics of amiodarone, TIKOSYN should not be initiated following amiodarone therapy until amiodarone plasma levels are below 0.3 mcg/mL or until amiodarone has been withdrawn for at least three months.
Severe Interactions
These medications are not usually taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Serious Interactions
These medications may interact and cause very harmful effects. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
Moderate Interactions
These medications may cause some risk when taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation.
How should I take Tikosyn?
You will need to spend at least 3 days in a hospital setting when you first start taking Tikosyn. This is so your heart rhythm and kidney function can be monitored in case the medicine causes serious side effects.
What should I avoid while taking Tikosyn?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Tikosyn and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
What other drugs will affect Tikosyn?
Other drugs may interact with dofetilide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
What is Tikosyn medicine?
Tikosyn is a heart rhythm medicine , also called an antiarrhythmic.
Can you take Tikosyn with dialysis?
You should not take Tikosyn if you are allergic to it, or if you have: severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or. a history of Long QT syndrome. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Tikosyn, and should not be used at the same time.
Can you take Tikosyn with kidney disease?
You should not take Tikosyn if you have severe kidney disease or a history of Long QT syndrome. Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with Tikosyn.
Can you breastfeed while taking Tikosyn?
It is not known whether dofetilide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using dofetilide.
