Medical conditions can sometimes cause financial strain.
In addition to hospital and pharmacy bills, there may be extra costs such as transportation,
home-care costs, or even child-care fees. Lost wages can also add worry to an already
stressful situation. Here are a few suggestions for how to manage some of your healthcare
costs:
Speak to your healthcare team.
Your team—including your doctors, nurses, and other health professionals—is a great
resource to ask about how to handle the costs of having atrial fibrillation (AFib). They work with people
in your situation all the time, so they may know if financial resources are available.
They may be able to provide you with more information about special programs that
help cover some costs. Ask your healthcare team or someone in your doctor's office
to call your medicine's manufacturer directly to learn if you qualify.
Talk to a counselor.
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Most hospitals have a financial counselor in their business office to help people
work through financial uncertainties. Make an appointment as soon as you think finances
might be an issue. Sharing with a counselor could be the first step to coming up
with a financial plan.
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Explain the situation.
Letting the right people know up front that you have concerns about your finances
will help. Taking control and calling them in advance will make it easier for them
to help you hold off payments or come up with a payment plan that you can manage
more easily.
So don't wait—when dealing with medical conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib), it may be tempting
to ignore certain financial issues. But doing so can make the situation worse. Start
speaking to people now to get the help you need.
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The MULTAQ Patient Support Hotline
Is a Phone Number You Can Call To Get Answers
When you call, someone will help you find options that may work
for you.
The MULTAQ Patient Support Hotline is a free service for patients, caregivers, and
doctors. If you've been prescribed MULTAQ, the Hotline may be able to help you and
your healthcare team find answers to your reimbursement questions.
How can the MULTAQ Patient Support Hotline help?
Call the Hotline to find out about ways to help pay for your medicines, including
insurance coverage and reimbursement opportunities. The Hotline can also guide you
through applying for each of these options.
In addition, the Hotline can help patients search for alternative coverage. Because
everyone's situation is different, it's important to call and find out what options
are available to you.
Call the MULTAQ Patient Support Hotline
at 1-888-9MULTAQ (968-5827).
Call to speak with a MULTAQ Patient Support Hotline representative. Representatives
are available to help Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time
(EST).
The Patient Support Hotline can also help you connect with the
sanofi-aventis U.S.
Patient Assistance Program.
Sanofi-aventis, the manufacturer of MULTAQ, provides patients with support and assistance
through the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This program provides information
about reimbursement, help for uninsured and underinsured patients, and help with
other financial issues.
To be eligible for this program:
You must be a legal U.S. resident
Your annual income must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line. Regardless
of your finances, don't assume you don't qualify for coverage—call the MULTAQ Patient Support Hotline and ask
You must not have public or private prescription drug insurance, with the exception
of Medicare Part D. If you have a Part D plan but are unable to afford MULTAQ, you
can file an appeal
With programs like PAP, sanofi-aventis helps people get the care they need. You
can find out more about the Patient Assistance Program by visiting patientassistanceprogram.sanofi-aventis.us,
or by calling 1-888-9MULTAQ (968-5827).
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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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