Multaq

The Multaq lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck of Boston are reviewing cases involving patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (permanent AF) who took the heart drug Multaq and suffered a wrongful death or a serious heart injury.

Multaq is known as dronedarone in its generic form. It is prescribed to treat patients who have had permanent AF, a heart rhythm disorder, and other related conditions.

In December 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a drug safety communication stating Multaq use has been linked to an increased risk of death and serious cardiovascular events among people with permanent AF. The FDA said healthcare professionals should not prescribe Multaq to patients with permanent AF who cannot or will not be converted into normal sinus rhythm because Multaq doubles the rate of cardiovascular events, death, stroke and heart failure among these patients.

Call for a Free Legal Consultation

If you have suffered complications from Multaq, contact us now for a free and confidential legal consultation at 800-379-1244. You can also use our contact form.

Drug Profile

Multaq, or dronedarone, is a heart drug used to treat several conditions, including permanent AF. It was approved for use by the FDA in 2009 and is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. Over 500,000 patients around the world have used it.

FDA Action

On December 19, 2011, the FDA issued a drug safety communication stating healthcare professionals should not prescribe Multaq to patients with permanent atrial fibrillation who cannot or will not be converted into normal sinus rhythm (permanent AF) because Multaq doubles the rate for cardiovascular death, stroke and heart failure.

In its latest notification, the FDA said healthcare professionals should not prescribe Multaq to patients and that patients who are taking it should receive electrocardiogram monitoring every three months and antithrombatic therapy. This is a significant update and patients should all make arrangements to have this care. However, speak to an attorney before you receive this or any care.

This came after several warnings in 2010 and 2011. These notices included a 2010 FDA revised warning noting cases of worsening heart failure in some patients. On February 11, 2011, the FDA also changed the warning section of the Multaq label to note that the drug should be discontinued if liver damage is suspected.

The FDA issued its December 19, 2011 notification after the Permanent Atrial Fibrillation Outcome Study Using Dronedarone on Top of Standard Therapy (PALLAS) clinical trial. The trial was stopped early in July 2011 after the data showed people who took Multaq for permanent atrial fibrillation faced a doubled risk of death and increased rates of heart attack and stroke.

When to Call a Multaq Lawyer

If you have taken Multaq for permanent atrial fibrillation and suffered complications, learn your rights for seeking compensation. The lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience representing individuals who have been treated with defective medical devices. We represent clients throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and other New England states.

Call Breakstone, White & Gluck of Boston today at 800-379-1244 or use our contact form. We are here to answer your questions and advise you on your legal rights.