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—

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:

A: Call your doctor immediately if you are taking MULTAQ and develop any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems:

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.