Multaq® Heart Medication
People suffering with heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter are often prescribed Multaq®, known generically as dronedarone. Multaq® is a heart medication that can help regulate the rhythm of the heart and reduce the risk of hospitalization for the heart condition further down the road. It is one of many types of antiarrhythmics.
Multaq® and Heart Failure
Although Multaq® is an effective medication for treating atrial fibrillation and normalizing heart rhythm, it can be deadly for individuals who suffer serious cardiac arrhythmias or have suffered severe heart failure. In fact, the FDA issued a black box warning for the drug to warn patients with NYHA Class IV heart failure or NYHA Class II-III heart failure that taking the drug could increase the risk of death.
The symptoms of heart failure are important to know and understand. Those suffering the symptoms of chronic heart failure may feel:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the lower extremities,
- Fast and irregular heartbeat
- Persistent cough that generates white or blood-tinged phlegm
- Nausea
- Weight gain
Those suffering from acute heart failure report many of the same symptoms but they arrive suddenly and are much more severe. They may cough up foamy mucus or report severe chest pain, signaling a heart attack. Symptoms can occur when the patient is physically active or at rest.
Studies have reported a connection between Multaq® and other dronedarone-based heart medications and severe and fatal heart failure. Talk to your doctor if you suffer any of these serious dronedarone side effects.
Who Should not take Multaq®?
People who have suffered severe heart failure in the past should not be prescribed Multaq® due to a higher risk of fatal heart failure that is associated with this class of heart medication. The stages of heart failure range from Class I-Mild to Class IV-Severe.
Those with Class I heart failure can carry on a normal life while those with Class IV heart failure are unable to exercise or move about without pain or discomfort. Even those who have Class II-Mild or Class III-Moderate heart failure might be told by their doctor to avoid taking Multaq® if they have been hospitalized for heart failure before, as this can also increase the risk of fatal heart failure.
Contact a Multaq® Heart Medication Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been suffered worsened heart failure or another serious side effect while taking Multaq® heart medication, you might be able to get compensation. Contact a Multaq® attorney for more information.
