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K L M N O P Q R S T U
V W X Y Z
A
Ablation – Procedure to treat AFib that uses the blood vessels
to access or reach the heart. A small, flexible catheter is passed into the heart
through a tiny opening in the vein or artery in the groin that will deliver radio
frequency waves to ablate or “burn” the area causing AFib.
Adrenaline – A hormone released by the adrenal glands in response
to stress and other stimuli.
Angina – Chest pain or discomfort that happens when your heart
doesn’t get as much blood and oxygen as it needs.
Antiarrhythmic medication – A medication aimed at treating abnormal
heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation and maintaining normal sinus rhythm, if
possible.
Anticoagulant – A medicine that thins the blood and helps prevent
blood from clotting, sometimes referred to as a "blood thinner".
Anticoagulation – The process of thinning the blood to help prevent
it from clotting.
Arrhythmia – Any change in the normal rhythm of the heart.
Atherosclerosis – The progressive buildup of plaque in the arteries
over time. One major cause of plaque buildup is high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) – The most common type of arrhythmia.
When you have AFib, the atria of the heart quiver rapidly and unevenly—changing
the constant rhythm of the heart.
Atrial flutter (AFlutter) – A temporary or long-term disturbance
in the rhythm of the heart that often occurs with AFib.
Atrium (plural atria) – One of the two smaller, upper chambers
of the heart. The right atrium receives blood from the body. The left atrium receives
blood from the lungs.
AV node – Specialized area in the heart that plays a key role in
controlling heart rate.
B
Bradycardia – Slowness of the heartbeat, usually defined as a rate
under 60 beats per minute.
Bundle branches – Tracts of fibers that carry impulses from the
AV node down throughout the ventricles.
C
Cardiovascular – Involving the heart and blood vessels.
Cardioversion – An approach to convert (change) the heart rhythm
from atrial fibrillation into normal sinus rhythm. May be accomplished by an electrical
shock (electric cardioversion) or by special medication (pharmacologic cardioversion).
Clot – A clump of blood that can form when the flow of blood is
slowed down.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) – A condition in which the heart
can’t pump enough blood to the body’s other organs. The heart keeps working, but
not as efficiently as it should. People with congestive heart failure have difficulty
exerting themselves because they become short of breath and tired.
D
Diabetes – A disease where the body doesn’t make enough insulin,
or can’t use its own insulin as it should.
E
Electrocardiogram (EKG) – A test your doctor uses to show how the
heart beats.
Episode – In AFib, one period of time in which your heart is out
of normal sinus rhythm.
H
Heart attack – Also known as a myocardial infarction.
The damaging or death of a portion of the heart muscle (myocardium) caused by a
blocked blood supply to that area.
Heart disease – Any condition that doesn’t allow the heart to function
normally.
Heart failure – A condition in which the heart can't pump enough
blood to the body's other organs. The heart keeps working, but not as efficiently
as it should. People with heart failure have difficulty exerting themselves because
they become short of breath and tired.
High blood pressure (hypertension) – High arterial blood pressure,
generally defined as being above 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic. Normal
blood pressure is considered to be less than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic
(120/80).
Holter monitor – A battery-powered device that records the heart’s
electrical activity. Also called an ambulatory EKG.
L
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) – A measure of how much
blood is being pumped out of the left ventricle. This shows a doctor how strong
the heart muscle is and whether it’s pumping as much blood to the body as it should.
Lone AFib – Atrial fibrillation that occurs in an otherwise structurally
normal heart, in a patient without other heart disease.
M
Myocardial infarction – Also known as a heart attack.
The damaging or death of a portion of the heart muscle (myocardium) caused by a
blocked blood supply to that area.
N
Normal sinus rhythm – The normal, constant rhythm the heart beats
to.
O
Obesity – Having too much body fat. This is different from being
overweight, which means weighing too much. Weight can come from muscle, bone, fat,
and water.
P
Pacemaker – An electrical device (a small metal case containing
a tiny battery and computer chip) that creates an electrical impulse to stimulate
the heart muscle to contract in a more normal rate.
Palpitations – A term often used to describe an irregular heartbeat,
or the sensation of skipped or extra heartbeats.
Paroxysmal AFib – The heart is in and out of normal sinus rhythm.
Episodes come and go on their own, lasting no longer than 1 week.
Persistent AFib – Episodes last longer than 1 week and do not go
away on their own. Medical treatment is necessary to restore normal sinus rhythm.
Permanent AFib – A person's heartbeat stays in atrial fibrillation
and cannot be returned to normal rhythm.2
R
Rate – The speed of the heartbeats.
Recurrence – The return of the symptoms of a disease after a symptom-free
period.
Rhythm – The pattern that the heart beats to.
S
Stroke – An interruption of blood supply to the brain. A stroke
happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted because a blood vessel
in the brain is blocked or bursts open. If blood flow is stopped for longer than
a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing
permanent damage.
Structural heart disease – A disease that affects the heart muscle
itself, changing the shape of the heart. Structural heart disease can be present
from birth or can develop over time.
Symptom – Evidence of a disease that is seen or felt by a patient.
U
Ultrasound – Also called an echocardiogram. A technique
used to make images of the body’s tissues by recording the reflections of ultrasonic
waves (waves too high for humans to hear). Sometimes used to diagnose illnesses.
Unstable angina – When the symptoms of angina (chest pain or discomfort)
occur unpredictably, even at rest.
V
Ventricle – The two lower chambers of the heart. The left ventricle
pumps blood to the body. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs.
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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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