What To Expect
This chart summarizes what you can learn here about your first weeks taking MULTAQ.
It may take 1 week for MULTAQ to build up in your system.
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Do not take MULTAQ if you have severe heart failure or if your symptoms of heart
failure have recently worsened. People with these conditions who take MULTAQ have
an increased chance of dying.
Do not take MULTAQ if you have a type of AFib (irregular heart rhythm) 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.
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MULTAQ may cause liver problems, including life-threatening liver failure.
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You may experience some side effects when you first start taking MULTAQ.
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You may still have episodes even while taking MULTAQ. This doesn't mean that MULTAQ
isn't working.
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When you start taking MULTAQ, you may wonder what will happen.
You may want to know how soon MULTAQ will work, and if you'll experience any side
effects. This Web page answers some of those questions.
Remember—everyone responds to medication differently. Some medications may
interact with MULTAQ. Please see below for a complete list. You should talk to your
doctor before taking medication, and if you experience any side effects.
How soon will MULTAQ work?
MULTAQ has been shown to reduce hospitalizations for heart problems as soon as one
month after starting treatment.
This was seen in a large study among people with a history of atrial fibrillation
(AFib) or AFlutter. 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. In this study,
people taking MULTAQ had fewer hospitalizations for heart problems.
MULTAQ may take 1 week to build up in your system.
During that time, you may wonder if MULTAQ is working. Keep taking MULTAQ as prescribed,
and talk to your doctor if you have any specific questions.
MULTAQ is one part of an overall treatment plan. It is meant for people with AFib
who are currently in sinus rhythm. That means that, when you first start taking
MULTAQ, your doctor may need to use a procedure called
cardioversion
to get your heart back in a normal rhythm before you begin taking MULTAQ.
You may experience some side effects when you first start taking MULTAQ.
Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach area,
and indigestion when they begin taking MULTAQ. Additional side effects can include
felling tired and weak, and skin problems such as redness, rash, and itching. For
more information, please read the MULTAQ Medication Guide.
You may still have episodes even while taking MULTAQ.
This doesn't mean that MULTAQ isn’t working. When you’re taking MULTAQ, you can
go more days without having an AFib episode, as well as reduce the risk that AFib
will put you in the hospital. However, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a chronic disease
and can’t be cured.
Call your doctor right away if you notice your pulse is irregular. This is a sign
that you are in AFib. And, be sure to consult with your doctor if you experience
symptoms that concern you. Your doctor will monitor your heart rhythm regularly
to make sure your heartbeat keeps a normal rhythm.
Episodes may come and go, but the disease doesn't go away.
After starting on MULTAQ, you may find that you're experiencing fewer AFib episodes.
But even if you've been better for a long time, this doesn't mean that you no longer
have atrial fibrillation (AFib). You should keep taking MULTAQ as prescribed.
Register for MULTAQ Matters™ for Savings and Support.
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Whether you’ve been prescribed MULTAQ or if you’re just looking for more information,
be sure to take advantage of all that MULTAQ Matters™ has to offer.
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Up to $30 a month in savings on your next
12 prescriptions‡
Help keeping track of your doctor's appointments and prescription refills
Inspiring support and encouragement
Tips on how to reduce stress in your life
Valuable information about MULTAQ
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sign up
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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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