This site has information intended for people who have been prescribed MULTAQ as well as for their caregivers.
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Man typing on a laptop computer Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some common questions about Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) and MULTAQ

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.

Important Safety Information

Do not take MULTAQ if you have severe heart failure or if you have been in the hospital recently for heart failure, even if you are better now. People with severe heart failure who take MULTAQ have an increased chance of dying.

Call your doctor immediately if you're taking MULTAQ and feel symptoms of worsening heart failure. These may include weight gain, leg swelling, and increasing shortness of breath while resting.

You should not take MULTAQ if you have severe liver problems.

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.

Your potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to and while taking MULTAQ. Tell your doctor about any diuretic medications you are taking as some can lower the level of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

Your doctor may perform certain tests, such as heart exams and blood tests, while you're taking MULTAQ.

MULTAQ can interact with certain medications and herbal supplements. Do not use the following medications with MULTAQ:
  • Nefazodone
  • Voriconazole
  • Ritonavir
  • Telithromycin
  • Ketoconazole
  • Clarithromycin
  • Itraconazole
  • Cyclosporine
The following medicines can lead to a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm if taken with MULTAQ:
  • Phenothiazines
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Certain medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythm or fast heartbeat
  • Certain antibiotics
Please read the accompanying Medication Guide and tell your doctor about all medications you take to help avoid serious drug interactions. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking MULTAQ.

The most common side effects when taking MULTAQ are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, skin rash, and slowed heartbeat.

Full Prescribing Information Including Boxed Warning

MULTAQ Medication Guide (English)

Guía del Medicamento de MULTAQ (Español)

Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting

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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MULTAQ is a prescription medicine used to lower the chance you would need to go into the hospital for heart problems. It is meant for people who have had an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter (AFlutter) in the last 6 months, but who may currently have a regular heart rhythm or will have medical treatment to return to a regular rhythm. MULTAQ may be safely used by people who have had AFib and AFlutter who also have other conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, or diabetes.

Important Safety Information
Do not take MULTAQ if you have severe heart failure or if you have been in the hospital recently for heart failure, even if you are better now. People with severe heart failure who take MULTAQ have an increased chance of dying.
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