According to information from a recent study published in the May 29, 2012 online issue of the American Journal of Cardiology, IV amiodarone combined with oral ranolazine is better at converting new-onset AF than the amiodarone by itself.
The Greek research team wrote, “This is the first clinical report of a synergistic effect of A + R (amiodarone plus ranolazine) for conversion of AF and it is consistent with substantial experimental research that has identified a potent synergism of these two drugs in suppressing AF.”
Dr. Konstantinos C. Koskinas, with Aristotle University Medical School in Thessaloniki, and colleagues go on to explain that the ranolazine can help to prevent AF episodes due to its antiarrhythmic properties. They also stated that the drug can prevent AF in patients who suffer from acute coronary syndrome. In the past, however, using both the ranolazine and amiodarone together for conversion of AF has not been fully tested. For this randomized trial, the research team analyzed data collected from 51 new AF patients who had experienced the condition for less than 48 hours and who were being treated with the IV amiodarone for a period of 24 hours. This was regardless of whether the patients were also taking the 1500 mg of oral ranolazine.
“The primary endpoint of conversion within 24 hours was achieved by 65 percent in the amiodarone-only group and by 88 percent in the combination arm (p=0.056),” according to the report. “The time to conversion in the two groups was 14.1 hours versus 9.8 hours (p=0.002), respectively.”
The drugs were also shown to cause few safety concerns when used, but the researchers did state that more research will have to be conducted before safety and efficacy of the drug combo can be confirmed. The teams stated, “The safety and efficacy of other dose levels of the A + R combination may merit further investigation.”
For now, various drugs are being used to treat AF patients. One of those medications is Multaq, which is an anticoagulant. Multaq has been proven to be extremely dangerous. When taking Multaq, patients often develop liver failure and a worsening of their heart conditions. The FDA does not recommend using Multaq unless all other drugs have failed.
If you or a loved one have developed liver failure or a worsening of your heart condition after using Multaq, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.