What is Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib?
What is AFib?
This chart summarizes what you'll learn about AFib on this Web page.
When you have AFib, the heart beats out of rhythm.
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Whether you feel it or not, AFib is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization.
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AFib can be paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent*.
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The speed, or
rate
, of the heartbeats can change, but the rhythm should always be the same.
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Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is the most common type of
arrhythmia
, or abnormal heartbeat. When you have AFib, the heart beats out of
rhythm. The beat of the heart is controlled by an electrical impulse that starts
in the right
atrium
. For someone with AFib, that signal becomes confused and the atrium quivers rapidly
and unevenly—changing the constant rhythm of the heart.
In addition to changing the constant rhythm of the heart, atrial fibrillation can
affect a person's health in other ways.
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How can AFib affect your health?
Whether you feel it or not, atrial fibrillation can have serious consequences. Based
on recent information, if you have AFib, you may be at greater risk of going into
the hospital.
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Consider these facts—when compared to those who don’t have AFib, if you have AFib,
you are:
4 times more likely to go into the hospital 3 or more times†
More likely to have 3 or more visits to the emergency room†
And the longer your heart is out of normal sinus rhythm, the more likely you are
to remain out of rhythm. It also becomes more difficult for your doctor to restore
normal sinus rhythm.
What are the 3 types of AFib?
The heart is in and out of normal sinus rhythm. Episodes come and go on their own,
and last no longer than 1 week.
Episodes last longer than 1 week and do not go away on their own. Medical treatment
is necessary to restore normal sinus rhythm.
A person's heartbeat stays in atrial fibrillation and cannot be returned to normal
rhythm.
How is the heart supposed to work?
A normal heartbeat sounds and feels a certain way. A normal heartbeat has a regular
rhythm
. Doctors sometimes refer to it as a repeated "lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub." The speed,
or
rate
, of the heartbeats can change, but the rhythm—the constant "lub-dub" sound—should
always be the same. When the heart beats like this, it is said to be in
normal sinus rhythm
.
What can I do about AFib?
Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. A medication called MULTAQ can
help some people with atrial fibrillation lower the chance that they would need
to go into the hospital for AFib. Find out more about MULTAQ.
You can also register for MULTAQ Matters™ to receive valuable information,
an exclusive Reminder tool, inspirational support, and up to $360 in yearly savings
on your MULTAQ prescriptions (for eligible patients)‡. Register now.
There are also things you can do in your daily life to help control your AFib.
Consider some thoughts on a healthy lifestyle.
*Do not take MULTAQ if you have permanent AFib.
Please see the boxed text at the upper right of this page to learn more.
†In the first year following diagnosis.
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‡
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Maximum benefit is $30 off, per prescription on up to 12 prescriptions
for the lifetime of the program (up to $360), depending on your out of pocket costs.
Sanofi-aventis U.S. reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this offer without
notice. Certain restrictions apply. See details on savings card.
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Important Safety Information for MULTAQ
Who should not take MULTAQ?
Do not take MULTAQ if you have symptoms of heart failure which have recently
worsened or if you have severe heart failure. People with these conditions who take
MULTAQ have an increased chance of dying.
Do not take MULTAQ if you have a type of atrial fibrillation (AFib) called permanent
AFib. You should not take MULTAQ if you are in AFib and your doctor
is not planning to change you back into normal rhythm.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if you're taking MULTAQ and have any signs and symptoms
of heart failure. These may include shortness of breath or wheezing at rest; wheezing,
chest tightness, or coughing up frothy sputum at rest, nighttime, or after minor
exercise; trouble sleeping or waking up at night or using more pillows to prop yourself
at night because of breathing problems; weight gain; or foot or leg swelling.
Call your doctor right away if you notice that your heartbeat or pulse is irregular.
This is a sign that you are in AFib.
What other serious risks should I discuss with my doctor?
MULTAQ may cause liver problems, including life-threatening liver failure. Tell
your doctor right away if you are taking MULTAQ and develop any of these signs and
symptoms of liver problems: loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; fever; feeling unwell;
unusual tiredness; itching; yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes; unusual
darkening of the urine; right upper stomach area pain or discomfort.
An additional serious side effect is a slowed heartbeat.
Who else shouldn't take MULTAQ?
You should not take MULTAQ if you have severe liver problems or if you had liver
problems after using amiodarone.
You should not take MULTAQ if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become
pregnant as it is not known if it may pass to or harm your baby. Women who may become
pregnant should use effective birth control while taking MULTAQ. Talk to your doctor
about the best birth control methods for you.
Are there any medications I should avoid while taking MULTAQ?
MULTAQ can interact with certain medications. Do not use the following medications
with MULTAQ:
- Nefazodone
- Ritonavir
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Voriconazole
- Telithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Cyclosporine
Are there other medicines that would be harmful when taken with MULTAQ?
The following medicines can lead to a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm if taken with
MULTAQ:
- Phenothiazines
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Certain medicines used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm or fast heartbeat
- Certain antibiotics
Is it OK to take a diuretic ("water pill") while on MULTAQ?
Your potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to and while taking
MULTAQ. Tell your doctor about any diuretic medications ("water pills") you are
taking as some can lower the level of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects when taking MULTAQ include stomach problems such as
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach area pain, and indigestion; feeling tired and
weak; skin problems such as redness, rash, and itching. Tell your doctor about any
side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Are there other things I should avoid while taking MULTAQ?
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking MULTAQ, as this can increase the likelihood
that you will have a side effect of MULTAQ.
What else should I tell my doctor?
Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies (including
St. John's Wort) you take to help avoid serious drug interactions.
Will I need any tests while I'm on MULTAQ?
Your doctor will monitor your heart rhythm regularly to make sure your heartbeat
keeps a normal rhythm. Your doctor may perform certain tests, such as heart exams
and blood tests, while you're taking MULTAQ.
Full Prescribing Information Including boxed WARNING
MULTAQ Medication Guide (English)
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of
information regarding your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions
about your health or your medicine.
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