How long can you stay on Tikosyn?

Tikosyn (dofetilide) is used long-term to keep your heart beating normally - maintain normal sinus rhythm - and delay the recurrence of abnormal heartbeats including atrial fibrillation or flutter.

How long you can stay on Tikosyn depends on your renal or kidney function and whether or not this medication prolongs your QT interval. Your QT interval is the amount of time it takes for the chambers (ventricles) in your heart to contract and relax then start this process over again. If Tikosyn prolongs your QT interval it can increase your risk of another arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat developing.

Your healthcare provider will carry out tests about every three months or as required to check your renal function and heart.

A blood test will be used to check if your renal function is still good enough to be taking Tikosyn. If your renal function deteriorates then your dose may need to be adjusted. If you develop severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 20 ml/min), then Tikosyn should not be used (contraindicated) and your healthcare provider will talk to you about stopping treatment with this medication.

Your corrected QT interval (QTc), or QT interval if heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute, will also be checked using an ECG (electrocardiogram). An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart. If your QTc or QT exceeds 500 milliseconds, or 550 milliseconds in people with ventricular conduction abnormalities, your healthcare provider will stop treatment with Tikosyn and will monitor you until your QTc or QT interval returns to what it was before you started treatment.