Q: What is an arrhythmia?
A: For a person with arrhythmia, the heart beats either too quickly, too slowly
and/or irregularly. If the heart is beating irregularly, it is out of normal sinus
rhythm.
What’s the difference between a normal heartbeat and an AFib heartbeat?
Play the animated Show Me More to find out. Make sure your sound is turned on.
Q: What does "normal sinus rhythm" mean?
A: 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.
How is the heart supposed to work?
Play the animated Show Me More to find out. Make sure your sound is turned on.
Q: How common is AFib?
A: AFib affects more and more people each year. And a person's risk for AFib tends
to increase as he or she gets older. Learn more about those effected by AFib.
Q: How can my doctor determine if I have AFib?
A: AFib doesn't always have symptoms. Some people show very clear AFib symptoms
when they have an AFib episode. Others may go about their day without noticing any
symptoms at all. Learn more about how AFib is diagnosed.
How does a doctor diagnose AFib?
Play the animated Show Me More to find out. Make sure your sound is turned on.
Q: Will I always feel AFib?
A: AFib episodes are different for everyone. The same person can sometimes feel
that their heart is out of rhythm, and other times not. Learn more about AFib symptoms.
Q: How do I know if I have AFib?
A: Your doctor can tell if you have AFib. To do this, your doctor may need your
medical history. They may also need to give you a complete physical examination,
and a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG), which records the heart's electrical activity. Learn how AFib is diagnosed.
What can AFib feel like?
Play the Show Me More to learn what AFib symptoms can feel like through sight and
sound. Make sure your sound is turned on.
Q: Can AFib cause a stroke?
A: People with AFib are more likely to have a stroke. A heart with AFib doesn't
work properly. When the heart doesn't beat in a normal rhythm, blood can be left
behind and pool inside the heart. This can turn into a clot. If the clot then travels
out of the heart, it can block a blood vessel leading to the brain, causing a stroke.
In fact, studies show that 15% of all strokes are caused by AFib. MULTAQ is not
approved to reduce the risk of stroke. See the boxed text at right to learn more.
Q: How long do I need to treat my AFib?
A: AFib treatment is ongoing. AFib is a chronic disease, meaning it doesn't go away.
Treatment can help reduce the risks that go along with it, but will not cure the
condition.
Q: How much money will treating my AFib cost me?
A: Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can talk to you about costs, your insurance
coverage, and assistance programs available to you. Learn about financial resources for people with AFib.
Q: What are the benefits of MULTAQ?
A: MULTAQ can decrease the risk of hospitalization for heart problems in people
with atrial fibrillation (AFib). MULTAQ also helps keep your heart in normal sinus
rhythm longer. This extends the time between recurrences, or repeated episodes,
of AFib. Learn more about
how MULTAQ can help you stay out of the hospital for heart problems.
Q: How long does MULTAQ take to work?
A: 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.
Q: Will I experience any side effects with MULTAQ?
A: Everyone is different. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, stomach
pain, skin rash, or a slowed heartbeat. The key is to talk to your doctor about
any side effects you may be experiencing. Learn more about possible side effects with MULTAQ.
Q: While I'm taking MULTAQ, what is the most important thing I should keep in mind?
A: Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs of
worsening heart problems:
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 due to breathing problems
Using more pillows to prop yourself up at night so you can breathe more easily
Gaining more than 5 pounds quickly
Increased swelling of feet or legs
Q: I haven't felt any AFib symptoms in a while. Does this mean I can stop taking
MULTAQ?
A: 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 AFib. You should keep taking MULTAQ as prescribed. AFib is a chronic disease
that carries significant risks and never goes away. It's important that you continue
to take MULTAQ exactly as prescribed.
Q: Will I still have AFib episodes even while I'm taking MULTAQ?
A: Even during treatment, you may still have AFib episodes. This doesn't mean MULTAQ
isn't working. MULTAQ can extend the time between recurrences of AFib. It also reduces
the risk you'll have to go to the hospital for heart problems. However, AFib is
a chronic disease and can't be cured. Consult with your doctor if you experience
symptoms that concern you.
Q: Is it OK to take MULTAQ with my other medications?
A: Before you take MULTAQ, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications
or herbal supplements that you are taking. MULTAQ can interact with certain medications
and cause serious side effects. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist
about any other medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking. Please see Important Safety Information below for a list of known drug
interactions.
Q: How often should I take MULTAQ?
A: Make MULTAQ part of your daily routine. Take MULTAQ exactly as your doctor tells
you. The recommended dose is 1 tablet, 2 times a day with food—take 1 tablet
with breakfast and the other with your evening meal. Please note, drinking grapefruit
juice may change how your body absorbs MULTAQ. So you shouldn't drink grapefruit
juice while you're taking MULTAQ.
Q: I forgot to take MULTAQ. What should I do?
A: If you miss a dose, continue to take MULTAQ as prescribed. Don't try to “double
up” your dosage to make up for a missed one. Just wait and take your next dose at
your regular time. If you're having trouble remembering to take MULTAQ as prescribed,
be sure to speak with your doctor.
Q: I accidentally took too much MULTAQ. What should I do?
A: If you take too much MULTAQ, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency
room right away. Taking too much MULTAQ can be dangerous. You may need urgent medical
care. If you’re having trouble taking MULTAQ as prescribed, be sure to speak with
your doctor.
Q: What can I do to help manage my AFib?
A: Taking MULTAQ as part of your overall AFib treatment plan can make a critical
difference in your health. But there are things you can do to help control your
AFib. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and stress can play a role in triggering AFib
episodes. Avoiding these may help. Learn more about managing AFib stress.