Multaq (dronedarone)

Multaq generic

Multaq is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Multaq side effects

Multaq can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Multaq. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Multaq, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Multaq, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Multaq. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Multaq’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Multaq can include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• vomiting
• indigestion
• weakness
• skin rash or itchiness
• fatigue
• mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Multaq, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Multaq aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
  • jaundice
  • pain in the upper right area of your abdomen
  • dark urine
  • itchy skin
  • loss of appetite
• Inflammation of the lungs, which may cause scarring. Symptoms can include:
  • dry cough
  • shortness of breath
• Kidney problems. Signs and symptoms can include:
  • frequent urination
  • increased creatinine levels
• New or worsening heart failure. Symptoms may include:
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling due to fluid buildup, especially in your feet and legs
  • sudden weight gain
• Long QT syndrome (a condition that affects the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm).
• Increased risk of death, stroke, and heart failure in certain people.*
• Severe allergic reaction.†

* Multaq has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Multaq precautions” section below.
† For details about allergic reaction and Multaq, see “Allergic reaction” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Multaq. It isn’t clear exactly how often this side effect occurred in clinical trials of Multaq. Allergic reactions have also been reported since the drug was approved.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Multaq, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Multaq cost

As with all medications, the cost of Multaq can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks* for price estimates of Multaq. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Multaq, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A savings card program is available for Multaq. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Generic version: Multaq is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.

Multaq dosage

The following information describes the dosage of Multaq that is commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug form and strength

Multaq comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in one strength of 400 milligrams (mg).

Dosage for reducing risk of hospitalization in people with AFib

The recommended dosage of Multaq is 400 mg taken twice per day. You’ll take one dose with your morning meal and one dose with your evening meal.

About taking Multaq

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Multaq, just skip your missed dose. Take your regular dose at your next scheduled time. You should not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
• Taking Multaq with food: Multaq should be taken with food. You’ll take one dose with your morning meal and one dose with your evening meal.
• Crushing, splitting, or chewing Multaq: The manufacturer of Multaq hasn’t provided information on whether it’s safe to crush, split, or chew Multaq tablets. In this case, it’s best to swallow Multaq tablets whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend a different treatment option.
• Length of use: Multaq is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Multaq is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
• Length of time to work: Multaq starts working shortly after you take your first dose. The drug reaches its full effectiveness in the body 4–8 days after starting treatment. Multaq stays in your system for 65–95 hours (about 2.5 to 4 days) after your last dose.

Overdose

Do not use more Multaq than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Multaq

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Common questions about Multaq

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Multaq.

Is Multaq safe for older adults?

It should be. In Multaq’s clinical trials, the drug was shown to be similarly safe and effective for older adults (ages 65 years and older) as in adults younger than this age range.

Multaq is generally safe for older adults, as long as the person does not have any of the conditions or factors that can prevent a doctor from prescribing Multaq. Older adults may be more likely to be affected by these conditions or factors. For example, people with sick sinus syndrome without a working pacemaker should not take Multaq. This heart condition is more common in older adults. (For more details about this, see the “Multaq precautions” section below.)

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the safety of Multaq at your age.

How does Multaq compare with amiodarone?

Multaq and amiodarone (Pacerone) are both antiarrhythmic drugs. However, Multaq and amiodarone are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat different conditions.

Multaq is FDA-approved to help reduce the risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation (AFib) in adults who:

• have previously had paroxysmal AFib (AFib that starts suddenly and stops within 7 days) or persistent AFib
• currently have a normal sinus rhythm (a normal heartbeat pattern)

With AFib, the electrical activity in the heart is abnormal. This causes an erratic heartbeat and “fluttering” of the atria (the heart’s upper chambers). AFib affects blood flow in the heart and can lead to serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, such as blood clots. These problems often require care in a hospital.

In contrast, amiodarone is FDA-approved to treat other conditions, such as ventricular arrhythmia. This type of arrhythmia causes an irregular heartbeat affecting the ventricles (the heart’s lower chambers).

Doctors will not prescribe Multaq and amiodarone together due to the risk of harmful drug interactions.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the differences between Multaq and amiodarone.

Can Multaq cause long-term side effects?

Possibly. Taking Multaq increases the risk of stroke in certain people. The drug also increases the risk of new or worsening heart failure in certain situations. Multaq has a boxed warning for these risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. (For more details about this, see the “Multaq precautions” section below.)

Talk with your doctor for more information about possible side effects of Multaq and how long they may last. They can also help determine if Multaq is safe for you.

Multaq interactions

Multaq can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Before taking Multaq, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications, foods, and supplements

Below is a list of medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Multaq. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Multaq. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

* CYP3A is an enzyme that breaks down certain drugs, including Multaq. If another drug or substance blocks or enhances the activity of this enzyme, drug interactions can occur. These interactions may lead to an increase in the drug’s side effects or a decrease in its effectiveness. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information about this.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Multaq. However, heavy alcohol consumption during Multaq treatment may increase the risk of liver problems. This is because liver problems can result from heavy alcohol use. And this side effect has been reported with Multaq use.

If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking Multaq, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Multaq uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Multaq to treat certain conditions. Multaq may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Multaq for reducing risk of hospitalization in people with AFib

Multaq is FDA-approved to help reduce the risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation (AFib) in adults who:

• have previously had paroxysmal AFib (AFib that starts suddenly and stops within 7 days) or persistent AFib
• currently have a normal sinus rhythm (a normal heartbeat pattern)

With AFib, the electrical activity in the heart is abnormal. This causes an erratic heartbeat and “fluttering” of the atria (the heart’s upper chambers). AFib affects blood flow in the heart and can lead to serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems, such as blood clots. These problems often require care in a hospital. Multaq may help to reduce the chances of needing to go to the hospital for AFib.

To learn more about AFib and heart health, visit our cardiovascular health hub.

Multaq and children

Multaq is not FDA-approved for use in children. It isn’t known whether this drug is safe for people under age 18 years.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Multaq, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Multaq:

• certain beta-blockers, such as sotalol (Betapace)
• certain calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem (Cardizem)
• amiodarone (Pacerone)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• disopyramide (Norpace)
• dofetilide (Tikosyn)
• flecainide
• mexiletine
• propafenone (Rythmol SR)

Things to consider when taking Multaq

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Multaq and pregnancy

Multaq should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Multaq.

Multaq and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Multaq should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with Multaq.