Amiodarone is a prescription medication that treats atrial fibrillation – a cardiovascular condition that causes irregular vibrations in the heart's upper chambers. Although it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1985, Amiodarone has received scrutiny after it was found to increase the risk of heart arrhythmia in women.

In addition, many patients in research trials demonstrated abnormal liver enzymes, an early sign of liver damage, after taking Amiodarone. In severe cases, patients developed a liver injury similar to that found in patients with hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Amiodarone Side Effects

Amiodarone, marketed under the brand name of Cordarone, has been found to exacerbate heart arrhythmia in women, often requiring women to receive a pacemaker. In a recent trial of Amiodarone, about five percent of all patients experienced worsening of their arrhythmia after taking the drug.

Patients should cease taking the medication and speak to their physicians if they experience any of the following Amiodarone side effects:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Heart irregularities
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

In some instances, patients may demonstrate signs of liver injury, which include yellowed eyes and skin, abdominal pain, blood in the urine, faintness and vomiting.

Amiodarone Lawsuits

After speaking with a skilled defective drug attorney at the law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz, many victims of Amiodarone wish to file a claim against the drug's manufacturers to receive compensation for loss of income, medical bills and emotional distress. To learn more about filing an Amiodarone claim, contact AWKO at (888) 255-2956 today.