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
.
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
.
Q: How common is atrial fibrillation (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 affected by AFib.
Q: How can my doctor determine if I have atrial fibrillation (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.
Q: Will I always feel atrial fibrillation (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.
*MULTAQ can help you have more days in normal sinus rhythm, but MULTAQ has not been
shown to treat these symptoms.
Q: Can atrial fibrillation (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 atrial fibrillation (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 lower the chance that AFib will put you in the hospital. MULTAQ also
helps keep your heart beating in a normal rhythm. It is meant for people who have
had AFib in the past but are now in normal sinus rhythm. Learn more. Please see the boxed text at the upper right
of this page to learn more.
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 AFib. 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: While I'm taking MULTAQ, are there any times I should call my doctor right away?
A: Call your doctor immediately if you're taking MULTAQ and have any signs and symptoms of heart failure:
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
A: Call your doctor immediately 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 (jaundice)
Unusual darkening of the urine
Right upper stomach area pain or discomfort
A: Call your doctor right away if you notice that your pulse is irregular. This is
a sign that you are in atrial fibrillation.
Q: Will I experience any side effects with MULTAQ?
A:MULTAQ may cause serious side effects, including severe heart failure, liver problems,
and slowed heartbeat. The most common side effects while 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 effects that bother you or that do not go away.
Q: What do I do if I notice that my pulse is irregular while I’m taking MULTAQ?
A: Call your doctor right away. Having an irregular pulse is a sign that you are
in atrial fibrillation.
Q: Will I still have atrial fibrillation (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 help your heart keep beating in normal rhythm. It also
reduces the risk that AFib will put you in the hospital. However, AFib is a chronic
disease and can’t be cured.
Call your doctor right away if you notice that your pulse is irregular. This is
a sign that you are in atrial fibrillation. 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 that your heartbeat
keeps a normal rhythm.
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. Atrial fibrillation (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: 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: What should I know about pregnancy and taking MULTAQ?
A: It is not known if MULTAQ will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Women who may become pregnant should
use effective birth control (contraception) while taking MULTAQ. Talk to your doctor
about the best birth control methods for you.
Q: Can I take MULTAQ while breastfeeding?
A: It is not known if MULTAQ passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should
decide if you will take MULTAQ or breastfeed. You should not do both.
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 else can I do to help manage my atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
A: A treatment plan that includes MULTAQ can make a critical difference in your
health. But there are things you can do to help control your atrial fibrillation
(AFib). Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and stress can play a role in triggering AFib
episodes. Avoiding these may help. Learn more about managing AFib stress.
|
‡
|
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.
|
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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