People with AFib need and value the emotional and physical support of their family
and loved ones. But being a caregiver can be stressful, especially when caring for
someone who has been hospitalized. It may help to keep the following in mind:
Understand the disease.
Knowing about atrial fibrillation (AFib) and what your loved one is going through
is the first step to being a better caregiver. There are many resources available
that can educate you about the disease and help you find the support you need.
Learn more about
AFib. Get other useful resources
for managing AFib, including links and phone numbers.
Learn about treatment options—like MULTAQ.
MULTAQ can lower the chance that your loved one would need to go into the hospital
for AFib. And MULTAQ helps keep a heart with AFib beating in a regular rhythm. Find out more about MULTAQ
Understand what your loved one is going through.
A diagnosis of AFib can bring up all sorts of emotional issues. The person with
AFib may feel alone, sad, or worried that their life will no longer be the same.
Or they may fear it will change intimate relationships. And they may have concerns
about stroke, since AFib increases the chances of having one. Keeping these things
in mind will help you to provide the comfort they need.
Be an advocate.
Establishing a relationship with the healthcare team will keep you informed. Going
along on doctor's visits is a good idea. You can prepare by making a list of your
own questions. At the appointment, you can take notes. And even if you can't be
there, be sure to talk about what happened. Or call the doctor's office if anything
needs to be cleared up.
Help your loved one keep track of questions for their healthcare team with our
free Guide.
Download a Guide to Talking to Your Doctor
Take time for yourself.
If you're caring for someone with AFib, especially if they're in the hospital, it's
easy to lose sight of yourself and focus on the patient. It's always important to
find ways to take care of yourself, even under these difficult conditions.
Don't forget about yourself. Get regular sleep, eat well, and take a little time
every day to pursue a hobby, exercise, or see your friends.
*MULTAQ can help you have more days in normal sinus rhythm, but MULTAQ has not been
shown to treat these symptoms.
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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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