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What to expect when
taking multaq

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How long does it take for MULTAQ to work?

MULTAQ may take up to a week to build up in your system. During that time, you may wonder if MULTAQ is working. Keep taking MULTAQ as prescribed, and talk to your doctor if you have specific questions regarding medical concerns or side effects.

MULTAQ may take up to a week to build up in your system. During that time, you may wonder if MULTAQ is working. Keep taking MULTAQ as prescribed, and talk to your doctor if you have specific questions regarding medical concerns or side effects.

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I had an AFib episode while taking MULTAQ. Does this mean it’s not working?

You may still have episodes even while taking MULTAQ. This doesn’t mean MULTAQ is not working. When taking MULTAQ, you can go more days without having an atrial fibrillation (AFib) episode, and it can reduce the risk that AFib will put you in the hospital.

You may still have episodes even while taking MULTAQ. This doesn’t mean MULTAQ is not working. When taking MULTAQ, you can go more days without having an atrial fibrillation (AFib) episode, and it can reduce the risk that AFib will put you in the hospital.

The outline of a pill
Is MULTAQ a cure for AFib?

Even if you’ve been better for a long time, it doesn’t mean you no longer have AFib. AFib is a chronic disease and cannot be cured.

Even if you’ve been better for a long time, it doesn’t mean you no longer have AFib. AFib is a chronic disease and cannot be cured.

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Did you know?

You should not drink grapefruit juice when taking MULTAQ.

You should not drink grapefruit juice when taking MULTAQ.

SEE MULTAQ DOSING

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR:

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Call your doctor right away if you notice your pulse is irregular.
This may be a sign that you are suffering from an AFib episode.

Call your doctor right away if you notice your pulse is irregular.
This may be a sign that you are suffering from an AFib episode.

An exclamation point in a circle

Always talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms that concern you.
Also, if you feel like you want to stop taking MULTAQ, talk with your doctor first.

Always talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms that concern you.
Also, if you feel like you want to stop taking MULTAQ, talk with your doctor first.

SERIOUS RISKS

  • Do not take MULTAQ if you have severe heart failure or if the symptoms have recently worsened. People with these conditions who take MULTAQ have an increased chance of dying
  • Do not take MULTAQ if you have permanent AFib. This is when your heart’s rhythm is abnormal and does not return to normal rhythm, even with medical treatment
  • You should not take MULTAQ if you are in AFib and your doctor is not planning to change you back into normal rhythm
  • MULTAQ may cause liver problems, including life-threatening liver failure

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

When taking MULTAQ you may experience:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Pain in the stomach area
  • Indigestion when you begin taking MULTAQ

Additional side effects may include:

  • Feeling tired and weak
  • Skin problems such as redness, rash, and itching

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important safety information I should know about MULTAQ?

Do not take MULTAQ if you have symptoms of heart failure that recently worsened and you were hospitalized, or if you have severe heart failure. MULTAQ doubles your risk of dying if you have these conditions.

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. People with permanent AFib who take MULTAQ have a higher risk of death, stroke, and needing to be treated in a hospital for heart failure.

MULTAQ may cause liver problems, including life-threatening liver failure. Call 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.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your doctor right away 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.

Call your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or a dry cough during treatment with MULTAQ.

Call your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction, such as itchy rash, low blood pressure, or rapid swelling of the throat or skin, especially around the lips or eyes.

Who else shouldn't take MULTAQ?

You should not take MULTAQ if you are allergic to dronedarone or any of the other ingredients in MULTAQ.

You should not take MULTAQ if you have severe liver problems or if you had liver or lung problems after using amiodarone.

You should not take MULTAQ if you have a certain type of heart problem called heart block, and you do not have an implanted pacemaker.

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:

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 antibiotics
  • Certain medicines used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm or fast heartbeat

What are possible serious side effects from taking MULTAQ?

MULTAQ may cause serious side effects including slowed heartbeat, inflammation of the lungs (including scarring and thickening), low potassium and magnesium levels in your blood, and changes in kidney function blood tests.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are a patient experiencing problems with a Sanofi U.S. product, please contact Sanofi U.S. at 1-800-633-1610.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

If you are a patient experiencing problems with a Sanofi US product, please contact Sanofi US at .

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

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SAUS.DRO.19.03.1838b(1) Last Updated: December 2019

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important safety information I should know about MULTAQ?

Do not take MULTAQ if you have symptoms of heart failure that recently worsened and you were hospitalized, or if you have severe heart failure. MULTAQ doubles your risk of dying if you have these conditions.