Multaq

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Multaq (dronedarone) if you have: • Permanent atrial fibrillation, meaning a normal heart rhythm will not or cannot be restored. • Heart failure with symptoms that recently worsened and required hospital treatment, or NYHA Class IV heart failure. • Second- or third-degree heart block or sick sinus syndrome, unless you have a functioning pacemaker. • A resting heart rate below 50 beats per minute. • Certain abnormal ECG measurements: a QTc interval above 500 milliseconds or a PR interval above 280 milliseconds. • Liver or lung damage caused by previous amiodarone treatment. • Severe liver impairment. • An allergy to dronedarone or any other ingredient in Multaq. Do not take Multaq with erythromycin or strong CYP3A inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, cyclosporine, telithromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone or ritonavir. It must also not be used with medicines or herbal products that prolong the QT interval and could cause a dangerous heart rhythm called torsade de pointes. These include certain antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, some oral macrolide antibiotics, and Class I or III medicines for abnormal heart rhythms. Your heart rhythm should be checked at least every three months. If atrial fibrillation is detected, your clinician should stop Multaq or restore a normal rhythm through cardioversion. Appropriate treatment to prevent blood clots is needed before and throughout treatment. Multaq requires monitoring for liver, lung and kidney problems. Treatment should be stopped if liver injury is suspected or lung toxicity is confirmed. Kidney function should be checked periodically, and potassium and magnesium levels should remain within the normal range. Based on animal studies, Multaq may harm an unborn baby. If you could become pregnant, use effective contraception during treatment. Do not breastfeed while taking Multaq.