Multaq Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Multaq is the brand name for the prescription medication dronedarone, which is used to treat patients who have experienced atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter within six months prior to use. It works by enabling the heart to beat at a normal rate, with a regular rhythm. Multaq is classified as an antiarrhythmic drug.
Like all medications, Multaq can come with side effects. These may include diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, weakness, rash, and redness. In rare cases, serious side effects like liver failure can occur with Multaq. Patients who also have cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, or diabetes are safe taking Multaq.[1]
 Multaq | |
| Brand name for | dronedarone |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sanofi Aventis; |
| Generic available? | No |
| Uses | Helps regulate the rhythms of irregular or rapid heartbeats |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, heartburn, weakness, rash, redness.[1] |
| Who should not take Mobic | People who are allergic allergic to dronedarone, or have severe liver disease, certain serious heart conditions, especially severe heart failure, a history of slow heart beats that have causeded fainting, were recently hospitalized for heart failure, or women who are are pregnant or breastfeeding.[1] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Multaq Side Effects
The most widely-experienced side effects of Multaq are upset stomach or stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, weakness, tiredness, and skin irritation or rash.[1]
Serious side effects of Multaq are not as common, but can be dangerous and require medical attention. Severe side effects can include gaining five or more pounds within a short time span, swelling in the lower half of the body, tightness of the chest, slow heart rate, passing out, symptoms associated with the flu, stomach pain, dark urine or light-colored stool.[2]
About Drug Side Effects
Multaq Allergic Reactions
Patients who have previously demonstrated allergies to dronedarone or to similar drugs may experience allergic reactions to Multaq. In addition, it is possible to be allergic to any of the other substances found in Multaq. The medication guide contains a complete list of ingredients, and pharmacists can help patients learn of any potential allergic reactions to these.[2]
Multaq Precautions and Warnings
- In December of 2011, the FDA issued a warning about Multaq, stating that the drug increases the chance of heart attack and death in patients who have permanent atrial fibrillation, known as permanent AF. The inactive ingredient was shown to double the risk of death among AF patients who are incapable of achieving normal sinus rhythm. In addition, the FDA recommended that Multaq users have heart tests performed every three months, and that Multaq be accompanied by antithrombotic therapy. However, patients with non-permanent AF were directed to continue use as usual, and not to stop taking the drug until consulting a doctor.[2]
- Drinking grapefruit juice may affect Multaq absorption, and patients are instructed not to consume it while taking this drug.[1]
- Dronedarone may increase the risk of death in people who have severe heart failure.[3]
- Herbal supplements such as St. John's Wort can react with Multaq.
- Multaq can interfere with blood thinners like warfarin, antidepressants and other medications.
- Multaq may not be right for patients who also have liver disease or a long QT interval.
- Patients using Multaq are instructed to use birth control for the duration of treatment if there is any possibility of pregnancy, as this drug is known to cause fetal harm.[2]
- Multaq may not be right for patients with rapid heartbeat or long QT interval, as well as those with liver disease.[3]
- If a patient misses a Multaq dose, they are instructed to wait until the next dose rather than doubling up with two dosages in a day.[1]
Also See: Sanofi Aventis Patient Assistance Programs, Symbicort Side Effects, Plavix Coupons, Lipitor Side Effects, Crestor Side Effects, Pravastatin Side Effects, Niaspan Side Effects, Lovaza Coupons
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 http://www.multaq.com/Consumer/about-multaq/MULTAQ-Facts.aspx?WT.mc_id=MTQWB0094&WT.srch=1&src=2&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=multaq%2Bpi&utm_campaign=multaq%2Bbrandedconsumer
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a609034.html
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000511/
