Cordarone is a last-resort drug for people with severe heart-rhythm problems. It has also been linked to severe side effects, including pulmonary toxicity, blindness, and even death.
Overview
Cordarone is a brand-name for the generic drug amiodarone. In 2005, the label all medications containing amiodarone was updated with a Boxed Warning about several life-threatening side effects — pulmonary toxicity, liver disease, and worse irregular heart rhythm.
Pulmonary Toxicity
The most common severe side effect of Cordarone is pulmonary toxicity. It occurs in about 17% of patients, and 10% of these cases are deadly. Over time, Cordarone can cause scarring in the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis) that makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Irritating cough
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
Vision Loss and Blindness
Vision loss occurs in about 2% of patients on Cordarone. Studies estimate that 20% of patients who have vision problems will go blind in at least one eye. Corneal deposits occur in 90% of patients, and while this side effect rarely causes blindness, about 5% of patients see “halos” when looking at bright lights.
Vision problems may include:
- Pain around the eyes
- Vision loss
- Loss of color vision
- Decreased peripheral vision
- “Halos” around bright lights
- Blindness
What is the problem?
- Vision loss
- Blindness
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary toxicity
- Lung damage
- Death
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