This site has information intended for people who have been prescribed MULTAQ as well as for their caregivers.
For U.S. Residents Only
Man and woman with a horse in the background Family Discussion Guide

Talking to Your Family About Your Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is Important

Your family can be a strong source of support.

Some of your family members may even be playing a role in how you manage your AFib or other health concerns.

One way you can help your family understand what you're going through is to make sure they know what medications you're taking. Telling the people you love the basics about your treatment—as well as how to get in touch with your doctors—is a good way to keep them in the loop about your AFib.

Here are some things you may want to remember when you talk to your family about your AFib:

Make sure your family knows how to get in touch with the different members of your healthcare team
If someone is helping you manage your health who isn't in your immediate family, make sure your family gets to know them, and how to get in touch with them
Talk about what you're feeling. Let them know how AFib is specifically impacting you
Tell your family if they can help you with anything
Let family and friends know what you're comfortable doing, so you can keep doing the things you enjoy
If AFib is bringing up different concerns and emotions, let your family know
Share with your family what medicines you're taking. To help do this, you can get a free, easy to fill-out Medication List

Children may not understand a complex disease like AFib.

They may not know how the heart pumps blood through the body. And they may not know what it means for a heart to be out of a regular rhythm, or how it may be treated. Even so, they may be able to tell if grandma or grandpa is sick.

Fortunately, you can start simple. You can tell younger children that, as a person ages, their heart doesn't always work the way it should. There are ways to help treat the heart, but treatment isn't a cure. So even if they're taking care of themselves, grandma and grandpa may not always have the energy to play.

   

In the end, just let your younger family know that you love them the same, regardless of your AFib. Talking to your family can help relieve stress, for you and for them.







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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