Multaq vs. Flecainide for Atrial Fibrillation: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Multaq

(dronedarone)

Flecainide

Summary for Multaq

Prescription only

Multaq (dronedarone) is an antiarrhythmic medication. It's used to lower the risk of hospitalization in adults with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Multaq (dronedarone) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day, preferably with food. Common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Multaq (dronedarone) is brand-name only and not available as a generic.

Indications for Multaq

To lower the risk of hospitalization from atrial fibrillation (AFib) in adults who have a history of paroxysmal or persistent AFib

Pros and Cons for Multaq

Pros

Lowers the risk of hospitalization from AFib
Prescribed in one standard dose; no dose adjustments needed
Taken by mouth

Cons

Not safe for use in heart failure, permanent AFib, or during pregnancy
Taken twice daily
Interacts with many medications and supplements

Common Side Effects for Multaq

Rise in creatinine levels (51%)
Abnormal heart rhythm (QTc prolongation) (28%)
Diarrhea (9%)
Weakness (7%)
Nausea (5%)
Skin reactions, including rash and itching (5%)

Warnings for Multaq

Not safe for people with severe heart failure or permanent atrial fibrillation
New or worsening heart failure
Liver damage
Lung damage
Low potassium and magnesium levels
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
Kidney damage or failure
Harm to unborn babies

Summary for Flecainide

Prescription only

Flecainide is a prescription antiarrhythmic medication used to prevent abnormal heart rhythms, including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter (PAF), paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and ventricular arrhythmias in adults and certain children. It comes as tablets that you take by mouth, typically two times a day, but your exact dose depends on your heart condition. Because it affects your heart rhythm, it requires regular heart monitoring. Common side effects include dizziness, vision changes, and shortness of breath.

Indications for Flecainide

Prevention of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT)
Prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter (PAF)
Prevention of ventricular arrhythmias

Pros and Cons for Flecainide

Pros

Helps control and prevent abnormal heart rhythms
Is a tablet taken by mouth
Used in both adults and children

Cons

Requires careful heart rhythm monitoring
Generally for people with severe heart problems
Not safe in people who had a recent heart attack

Common Side Effects for Flecainide

Dizziness (19%)
Vision changes (16%)
Shortness of breath (10%)
Headache (10%)
Nausea (9%)
Tiredness (8%)
Heart pounding (6%)
Chest pain (5%)
Weakness (5%)
Tremor (5%)
Constipation (4%)
Swelling in the arms and legs (4%)
Stomach pain (3%)

Warnings for Flecainide

Greater risk of death after recent heart attack
New or worsening heart rhythm problems
Heart failure
Slowed electrical signals through the heart
Fixing electrolyte levels

Prices with our coupons for Multaq vs. Flecainide

Multaq60 tablets / 400mg

$797.90$1,032.76

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Flecainide60 tablets / 50mg

$14.47$35.80

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Multaq vs. Flecainide

Multaq

Flecainide

Summary for Multaq

Indications for Multaq

Pros and Cons for Multaq

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Multaq

Warnings for Multaq

Summary for Flecainide

Indications for Flecainide

Pros and Cons for Flecainide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flecainide

Warnings for Flecainide

Prices with our coupons for Multaq vs. Flecainide

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Multaq

Flecainide

Summary for Multaq

Indications for Multaq

Pros and Cons for Multaq

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Multaq

Warnings for Multaq

Summary for Flecainide

Indications for Flecainide

Pros and Cons for Flecainide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Flecainide

Warnings for Flecainide