Flecainide-induced myalgias and weakness: a rare adverse reaction

Abstract

Flecainide is a class 1C antiarrhythmic, which is known to cause several cardiac and non-cardiac adverse reactions. We report a case of a 62-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation who presented with generalised myalgias and intermittent chest heaviness after being started on flecainide. She had undergone her third cardiac ablation 1 week prior to presentation and was subsequently started on flecainide 150 mg two times per day. On physical examination, she had diminished reflexes and diffuse calf tenderness. Her blood tests demonstrated an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein, but otherwise normal infectious and autoimmune labs. Her ECG showed normal sinus rhythm. A Naranjo score of 7 suggested flecainide as a probable cause of her myalgias. The patient’s symptoms started to normalise within 24 hours of discontinuation of flecainide. Our case highlights that myalgias are a potential rare adverse effect that should be considered in patients prescribed flecainide.