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 atrial fibrillation (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 activities you're comfortable doing, as well as those that you’re not comfortable doing
If atrial fibrillation (AFib) is bringing up different concerns and emotions, let your family know
Let your family know what medicines you're taking. To help do this, you can get a free, easy to fill-out
Medication List
Children may not understand what you are going through.
|
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 an adult they love 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 though you've been taking care of yourself,
you 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.
|
‡
|
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.
|
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.
Back to top