What is Multaq?

Multaq also known as dronedarone is a heart rhythm medicine that helps maintain normal heartbeats in certain people with life-threatening rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart). Multaq helps lower your risk of needing to be hospitalized for a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation. Multaq is for people who have had this disorder in the past but now have normal heart rhythm.

How does Multaq work?

Multaq works by helping the heart to beat normally. This medication works directly on the heart tissue and will slow the nerve impulses in the heart. Multaq is most effective when taken regularly even if you feel fine or have no symptoms.

Directions

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Dronedarone comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
• Multaq works best if you take it with your morning and evening meals.
• If you miss a dose of Multaq, skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
• You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
• Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history especially of liver disease, irregular heartbeat or sick sinus syndrome.
• If you have a pacemaker.
• If you are breast-feeding.

Also be aware that:

• Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) every 3 months. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with dronedarone. Your liver and kidney function may also need to be checked.
• You should check your own pulse often, and call your doctor right away if you notice an irregular rhythm.
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation.
• This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea and diarrhea.
• Heartburn or body weakness.
• Rashes or redness.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Symptoms of liver disease such as persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin and dark urine.
• Symptoms of lung problems such as persistent dry cough or shortness of breath.
• Signs of kidney problems such as change in your amount of urine.
• Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q: Is there a generic alternative to Multaq?

A: There is currently no therapeutically equivalent generic alternative to Multaq. However, you can still save up to 90% on the cost of your medication by buying with us.

Q: What is the strength of Multaq?

A: Multaq comes in a strength of 400mg.

Q: How long does Multaq take to work?

A: Multaq is most effective when taken regularly even if you feel fine or have no symptoms. You should not stop taking Multaq without consulting with a doctor.