Multaq® (dronedarone) Side Effects
Multaq® is a medication prescribed to patients with a cardiac arrhythmia to reduce the risk of hospitalization from cardiac abnormalities. The drug, known generically as dronedarone, helps return the heart rate to a normal rhythm. Additionally, Multaq® can also help reduce blood pressure in patients with cardiac arrhythmias.
Multaq® has been linked to some heart side effects that could be fatal. If you think your injury was caused by this heart medication, contact our Multaq® attorneys for legal help.
Multaq® (dronedarone) Problems
Though the drug can effectively normalize the heart rate of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, it also carries serious side effects, including heart failure in patients with NYHA Class IV heart failure or NYHA Class II-III heart failure. Limiting or eliminating caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol while taking Multaq® might help a patient avoid certain side effects.
Dronedarone is related to amiodarone, which was commonly prescribed as an antiarrhythmic. However, the drug was also associated with thyroid disease and liver failure due to high iodine content and toxicity. These problems are lessened with dronedarone and thyroid problems are reduced with Multaq®.
Multaq® Long-term Side Effects
Multaq® is associated with many short and long-term side effects. Some of the more serious, long-term side effects that have been reported by Multaq® users include:
- Heart failure
- Dangerous irregular heart beats
- Dangerous drug interactions
- Kidney failure
Women are advised against taking Multaq® if they are pregnant or nursing. If you experience any negative side effects while taking Multaq®, contact your physician immediately.
Multaq® should not be taken by patients who have experienced severe heart failure. Doing so can result in death. Additionally, it can cause shortness of breath and wheezing after physical activity.
Multaq® Short-term Side Effects
Some of the more common and short-term side effects of Multaq® include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Rashes and other skin reactions
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Slower heart rate (bradycardia)
- Hair loss
- Ocular side effects
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Multaq® has been linked to 387 adverse events since July 2009.
Speak to a Multaq® Lawyer about a Side Effect Case
If you have suffered a serious side effect such as heart or kidney failure while taking Multaq® or if your loved one died from heart failure while taking the medication, you might be eligible for compensation. To find out more information, contact our Multaq® attorneys to discuss your case.
