Formoterol

Hi all. Reading an article about bronchodilators in the newsletter email has prompted me to ask this question.

Does anyone have cardiac issues relating to formoterol use?

I began a dual inhaler a few years ago. That one was Duoresp Spiromax. Last February, it was changed to Fostair. Both contained formoterol.

2 weeks after starting the first dual inhaler, I began with excessive ectopic beats (measured by Holter monitor at 14,000 a day). They have continued at that rate since May 2018.

As well as ectopics, I have also gone on to develop both atrial flutter and fibrillation. Prior to May 18, I had no cardiac problems at all.

I've now had 4 ablations (3 radio frequency and 1 cryo) and 2 cardioversions.

After a great deal of discussion and pressure from me, my doctors have now had me step down to a steroid only inhaler, (Qvar) to see how I cope. That was 3 weeks ago and my asthma (non-eosinophilic) doesn't seem to have been affected adversely. In the last 5 days, I haven't been aware of any ectopics at all, although I have sensed my heartbeat quite strongly at times, almost as though I've been running.

I wanted to post this, in case anyone else has had a similar problem but not progressed beyond it.

Take care and stay safe

Trev