MULTAQ® (dronedarone) is one of
only a few advances in the treatment of AFib in the last 20 years.
It is a prescription medicine for people who have had an abnormal heart rhythm called
atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter (AFlutter) in the last 6 months, but
who currently have a more regular heart rhythm or will return to a more regular
rhythm with medical treatment.
MULTAQ may be safely used by people who have had AFib and AFlutter who also have
other conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, or diabetes.
You've been prescribed MULTAQ because your doctor thinks it offers important benefits
and can be valuable to your overall treatment.
MULTAQ is the only medicine of its kind (antiarrhythmic drug) proven to lower the
chance that you would need to go into the hospital for heart problems.
In a large study among people with a history of AFib or AFlutter, people taking
MULTAQ had fewer hospitalizations for heart problems. Here's how the study worked—
People who took part in the study had an abnormal heart rhythm in the previous 6 months. They may have returned to a regular heart rhythm or were going to have medical treatment to return to a regular rhythm.
They were treated for up to 30 months, with an average of 22 months.
A reduction in hospitalizations was seen early in treatment and continued when people
stayed on MULTAQ.
MULTAQ helps extend the time between recurrences of AFib episodes.
MULTAQ helps keep a heart with AFib beating in a more regular way. Two 12-month
studies have shown that people taking MULTAQ stay in
normal sinus rhythm more than twice as long as people not taking MULTAQ.
Important Safety Information
Do not take MULTAQ if you have severe heart failure
or if you have been in the hospital recently for heart failure, even if you are
better now. People with severe heart failure who take MULTAQ have an increased chance
of dying.
Call your doctor immediately if you're taking MULTAQ and feel symptoms of worsening
heart failure. These may include weight gain, leg swelling, and increasing shortness
of breath while resting.
You should not take MULTAQ if you have severe liver problems.
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.
Your potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to and while taking
MULTAQ. Tell your doctor about any diuretic medications you are taking as some can
lower the level of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
Your doctor may perform certain tests, such as heart exams and blood tests, while
you're taking MULTAQ.
MULTAQ can interact with certain medications and herbal supplements. Do not use
the following medications with MULTAQ:
- Nefazodone
- Voriconazole
- Ritonavir
- Telithromycin
- Ketoconazole
- Clarithromycin
- Itraconazole
- Cyclosporine
The following medicines can lead to a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm if taken with
MULTAQ:
- Phenothiazines
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Certain medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythm or fast heartbeat
- Certain antibiotics
Please read the accompanying Medication Guide and tell your doctor about all medications
you take to help avoid serious drug interactions. Do not drink grapefruit juice
while taking MULTAQ.
The most common side effects when taking MULTAQ are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain,
skin rash, and slowed heartbeat.
Full Prescribing Information Including Boxed Warning
MULTAQ Medication Guide (English)
Guía del Medicamento de MULTAQ (Español)
Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting
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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