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Multaq Coupon - Multaq 400mg tablet

Multaq

dronedarone
Used for Atrial Fibrillation
Used for Atrial Fibrillation

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 24, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Multaq (dronedarone)?

What is Multaq (dronedarone) used for?

How Multaq (dronedarone) works

Multaq (dronedarone) is an antiarrhythmic medication. The main way it works is by blocking potassium channels in the heart. This helps slow your heart's electrical activity so that your heart can beat at a normal rhythm.

Are you looking for information on amiodarone (Pacerone) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMultaq
Drug ClassAntiarrhythmic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Multaq (dronedarone)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion or heartburn

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Stroke: slurred speech, weakness on one side of your body, droopy face, blurred vision, difficulty walking
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling, holding onto more water, coughing or wheezing, fast heart rate
  • Liver damage: dark-colored urine, stomach pain, nausea, itching, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes
  • Lung damage: cough, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness
  • Kidney damage: changes in urination, holding onto more water, swelling, shortness of breath, high blood pressure
  • Delayed heart rhythm

Source: DailyMed

More on Multaq (dronedarone) side effects

Health: Multaq: side effects multaq

8 Multaq (Dronedarone) Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Julie Adkison, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Chest pain or discomfort

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

shortness of breath

slow or irregular heartbeat

unusual tiredness

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain, severe

chills

cough

dark urine

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

thickening of bronchial secretions

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

lack or loss of strength

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

heartburn

indigestion

itching skin

rash

redness or discoloration of the skin

skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing

skin rash, hives, itching, or redness

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

swelling

Rare

Change in taste

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

loss of taste

severe sunburn

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Multaq (dronedarone)

thumbs-up

Pros

Lowers the risk of hospitalization from AFib

Prescribed in one standard dose; no dose adjustments needed

Taken by mouth

thumbs-down

Cons

Not safe for use in heart failure, permanent AFib, or during pregnancy

Taken twice daily

Interacts with many medications and supplements

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Multaq (dronedarone)

pharmacist

  • Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your cardiologist and to get any blood work or tests done while you take Multaq (dronedarone). Some tests you can expect to get include an electrocardiogram (ECG), liver blood tests, and blood electrolytes. These tests help your cardiologist see how well Multaq (dronedarone) is working and if it's causing side effects.

    • Take Multaq (dronedarone) twice daily, in the morning and evening, with food. Food helps your body absorb more Multaq (dronedarone), which makes the medication work better.

      • Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Multaq (dronedarone) because it can raise the amount of the medication in your body, which raises your risk of side effects.

        • Make sure to tell your prescriber about all the medications you're taking before you start Multaq (dronedarone). And don't start any new medications without talking to a healthcare professional (HCP) first. Your care team should review your medication list to make sure your medications are safe to take together. Multaq (dronedarone) interacts with many medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), calcium channel blockers, and statins.

          • Stomach-related side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, are common with Multaq (dronedarone). Work with your cardiologist on lifestyle changes to help prevent these, such as staying hydrated, changes in your food choice, or eating smaller meals more frequently. If lifestyle changes don't work, ask your prescriber for recommendations on available treatment options.

            • If you're able to become pregnant, you need to use effective birth control while you're taking Multaq (dronedarone) and for 5 days after your last dose. This medication should be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause harm to growing babies. Let your healthcare team know if you're pregnant or want to become pregnant because they'll need to talk with you about safer treatment options.

              • Don't breastfeed while you're taking Multaq (dronedarone) and for 5 days after your last dose. If you are nursing, your healthcare team will talk with you about safer options to feed your baby after you start Multaq (dronedarone), such as using baby formula instead.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Multaq (dronedarone)

                How long does Multaq (dronedarone) take to work?
                Multaq (dronedarone) is used to help your heart keep a normal rhythm. It's not easy to tell when Multaq (dronedarone) is working. This is because people with AFib often don't experience noticeable symptoms, so they might not notice when their condition is getting better. Lab results show that Multaq (dronedarone) reaches a steady level in your body after you take it for 4 to 8 days. In general, studies show that people who took Multaq (dronedarone) were less likely to go to the hospital for Afib-related complications than people who took placebo. Your healthcare team will likely order regular electrocardiograms (ECGs) to see how well Multaq (dronedarone) is working for you.
                How long does Multaq (dronedarone) stay in your system?
                It takes about 3 to 4 days for most of Multaq (dronedarone) to leave your body after a dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of Multaq (dronedarone). It can differ from person to person depending on other factors, such as your sex, age, and whether you have liver problems. If you're able to become pregnant, your healthcare team will ask you to use birth control while you're taking Multaq (dronedarone) and for 5 days after your last dose just to be safe. This is because Multaq (dronedarone) might cause serious harm to unborn babies. Talk with your healthcare team if you have any specific concerns related to how long this medication stays in your body.
                Does Multaq (dronedarone) lower blood pressure?
                People who took Multaq (dronedarone) during clinical studies didn't report low blood pressure as a common side effect. But research shows that people who took Multaq (dronedarone) did experience small drops in blood pressure. But it's unclear whether this was caused by Multaq (dronedarone) or other factors. If you have low blood pressure to begin with, or you're taking blood pressure medications, your cardiologist might recommend checking your blood pressure at home for a short amount of time until you know how this medication affects you.
                Does Multaq (dronedarone) interact with Eliquis (apixaban)?
                More research is needed to understand how Multaq (dronedarone) interacts with Eliquis (apixaban). Based on how these medications work in the body, there's a risk that Multaq (dronedarone) might raise the level of Eliquis (apixaban) in the body. This can put you at higher risk for certain side effects of Eliquis (apixaban), like bleeding or bruising. But limited research suggests that the risk of major bleeding is low among people who take this combination. Your cardiology team might recommend that you take Multaq (dronedarone) and Eliquis (apixaban) if they think the benefit is greater than the risk of harm. But they might monitor you more closely for signs of bleeding or lower your dose of Eliquis (apixaban).
                Can you drink alcohol while you're taking Multaq (dronedarone)?
                It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Multaq (dronedarone). Both alcohol and Multaq (dronedarone) can damage your liver, which can be severe and life-threatening. In addition, alcohol can raise the risk of atrial fibrillation coming back. If avoiding alcohol isn't possible for you, talk to your prescriber about other medication options for you, or ways to get help to quit alcohol.
                Can Multaq (dronedarone) be crushed or cut in half?
                No, Multaq (dronedarone) tablets can't be crushed because they have a film coating on them. Crushing the tablets can damage this film coating, which can make the medication not work as well. Additionally, Multaq (dronedarone) tablets don't have a score line (line in the middle of the tablet to cut). Trying to cut a non-scored tablet can be unsafe. It can also be difficult to evenly cut, which can cause you to take the wrong dose, even if you're using a pill splitter. Talk to your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing Multaq (dronedarone).
                Is Multaq (dronedarone) a blood thinner?
                No, Multaq (dronedarone) isn't a blood thinner and it doesn't raise the risk of bleeding. Multaq (dronedarone) is an antiarrhythmic medication. If you have AFib, your cardiology team might prescribe a blood thinner along with Multaq (dronedarone) to help lower the risk of stroke.
                Is Multaq (dronedarone) a beta blocker?
                No, Multaq (dronedarone) isn't a beta blocker; it's an antiarrhythmic medication. Beta blockers and antiarrhythmics are two different classes of medications that the cardiology team might prescribe for people with AFib because they manage AFib in different ways. Antiarrhythmics help your heart keep a normal rhythm, while beta blockers help slow down heart rate during AFib.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Multaq (dronedarone)?

                Multaq (dronedarone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Not safe for people with severe heart failure or permanent atrial fibrillation

                • Risk factors: Severe (decompensated) heart failure | Permanent atrial fibrillation

                  Multaq (dronedarone) must be avoided in people with permanent atrial fibrillation, or severe or symptomatic heart failure. Taking Multaq (dronedarone) with these conditions can raise the risk for serious problems, such as worsening heart failure, stroke, and even death. Your cardiologist will order electrocardiograms (ECGs) to measure your heart rhythm to make sure you're in normal sinus rhythm before starting Multaq (dronedarone).

                  risk-warning

                  New or worsening heart failure

                  Multaq (dronedarone) can cause new or worsening heart failure. Contact your cardiologist right away if you notice symptoms of heart failure, such as unexplained weight gain, swelling in your legs or feet, or more shortness of breath especially when you lie down.

                  risk-warning

                  Liver damage

                  • Risk factors: Liver damage from amiodarone (Pacerone)

                    Although rare, people who took Multaq (dronedarone) have developed liver problems. Because of this risk, your prescriber might order blood tests before you start and during treatment to check your liver health. Also, you're recommended to limit or avoid drinking alcohol because doing so can also cause liver damage. Get medical attention right away if you experience symptoms of liver problems, including tiredness, nausea, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. Your healthcare team might ask you to stop taking Multaq (dronedarone) in order to prevent further liver damage.

                    risk-warning

                    Lung damage

                    • Risk factors: Lung damage from amiodarone (Pacerone)

                      In some rare cases, Multaq (dronedarone) can cause lung damage such as inflammation (pneumonitis) or scarring (fibrosis). Let your prescriber know right away if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or dry cough.

                      risk-warning

                      Low potassium and magnesium levels

                      • Risk factors: Taking diuretics (water pills) that lower potassium

                        Taking Multaq (dronedarone) with certain diuretics (water pills) can lead to low potassium and magnesium levels in the blood, which can lead to serious heart problems. Your prescriber will monitor your electrolytes before and during treatment with Multaq (dronedarone). You might need to take supplements to keep your electrolyte levels within the normal range.

                        risk-warning

                        Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm

                        • Risk factors: Low blood potassium or magnesium levels | Older age | Kidney problems | History of heart problems, slow heart rate, or other abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | Personal or family history of long QT syndrome | Taking other medications that cause QT prolongation

                          Multaq (dronedarone) can lengthen the time period from when the heart pumps and then relaxes. This is known as QT prolongation. Your risk is higher if you have certain factors, including abnormal electrolyte levels, heart rhythm problems, or are taking other medications that cause heart rhythm problems, such as certain antidepressants or ciprofloxacin (Cipro), among others. To lower your risk, your prescriber will monitor your heart and perform electrocardiograms (ECGs) to make sure your heart rhythm is normal. If you feel your chest pounding, have trouble breathing, have chest pain, or feel faint or lightheaded while taking Multaq (dronedarone), call 911 right away.

                          risk-warning

                          Kidney damage or failure

                          • Risk factors: Heart failure | Low fluids in the body

                            Multaq (dronedarone) can cause kidney damage or failure, especially in people who have heart failure or or who are dehydrated. This, as well any changes in kidney labs, usually goes away after stopping the medication. Your cardiologist will monitor your kidney labs (e.g., creatinine) regularly throughout treatment to make sure this doesn't become a major problem.

                            risk-warning

                            Harm to unborn babies

                            • Risk factors: Pregnancy

                              Animal studies suggest that Multaq (dronedarone) can cause harm to unborn babies if taken by mothers during pregnancy. If you're able to become pregnant, your healthcare team might ask you to take a pregnancy test to confirm you're not pregnant before you can start Multaq (dronedarone). You're recommended to use effective birth control during treatment with Multaq (dronedarone) and for 5 days after your last dose.

                              dosage

                              Multaq (dronedarone) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 60 tablets of 400mg of Multaq (dronedarone) is $794.59 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.08% off the average retail price of $946.86.
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                              Tablet
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              400mg60 tablets$794.59$13.24

                              Typical dosing for Multaq (dronedarone)

                              • Adults: The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice per day with food.

                              More on Multaq (dronedarone) dosage forms

                              Multaq: multaq dosage

                              Multaq Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

                              Written by Sarah Morin, RPh
                              interactions

                              Interactions between Multaq (dronedarone) and other drugs

                              Multaq (dronedarone) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Multaq (dronedarone). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Multaq (dronedarone) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Multaq (dronedarone) will not be safe for you to take.
                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Multaq (dronedarone)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Multaq (dronedarone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Multaq (dronedarone)
                              Used for:
                              $794.59 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Tikosyn (dofetilide)
                              Used for:

                              • Prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter

                              • Treatment of atrial fibrillation or flutter

                              $22.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Amiodarone (Pacerone)
                              Used for:

                              • Life-threatening ventricular fibrillation that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked well)

                              • Life-threatening tachycardia that keeps coming back (when other antiarrhythmics haven't worked)

                              $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                              Multaq (dronedarone) images

                              White Oblong 4142 And Logo - MULTAQ 400mg Tablet
                              This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "4142" And "Logo".White Oblong 4142 And Logo - MULTAQ 400mg Tablet

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              American Heart Association. (2023). What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

                              Carreras, E., et al. (2019). Table 31.1: CYP3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers commonly used in HSCT (non-limitative list). The EBMT Handbook: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies.

                              Connolly, S. J., et al. (2009). Analysis of stroke in ATHENA: A Placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-arm trial to assess the efficacy of dronedarone 400 mg BID for the prevention of cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause in patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter. Circulation.

                              View All References (9)

                              Farzam, K., et al. (2023). QT prolonging drugs. StatPearls.

                              Friberg, L. (2018). Safety of apixaban in combination with dronedarone in patients with atrial fibrillation. International Journal of Cardiology.

                              Hohnloser, S. H., et al. (2009). Effect of dronedarone on cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation. New England Journal of Medicine.

                              Hügl, B., et al. (2023). Table 1: Potential for DDI between dronedarone, amiodarone, and the NOACs, and the corresponding recommendations. European Heart Journal Open.

                              Joglar, J. A., et al. (2023). 2023 HRS expert consensus statement on the management of arrhythmias during pregnancy. HeartRhythm.

                              Kashou, A. H., et al. (2024). Atrioventricular block. StatPearls.

                              MedlinePlus. (2024). Sick sinus syndrome.

                              Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC. (2024). Multaq- dronedarone tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Grapefruit juice and some drugs don't mix.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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