Multaq Anyone Else Take It (Page 2)

Okay I will start off by saying this drug scares me because it has not been out for very long. I have Afrial Fib which is not behaving I can be 70 beats one min and regular and the next I will be at 190 and in atrial fib and flutter. this is my last chance at a med I have tried all the others I usually end up in the ER two or three times a week. I have had one ablation so far. If anyone else takes it please let me know what it is like. I am starting it on Tuesday.

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After spending the last 31 days nearly in the hospital we have decided that my 2nd ablation has failed, no longer taking Multaq,but I did start taking Tikosyn, has a fw side effects but it keeps the heart rate down below 160. I will be on it for 4 months then will try to come off it and have a pacemaker put in.

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Started Multaq 3 weeks ago. Have had no Afib episodes since, although I have experienced palpatations. My blood pressure is great, but my heart rate stays in the high 80's most of the time. In the past it was usually under 70. This is likely due to cessation of atenolol at the same time I began on Multaq. In this third week on Multaq, I have developed itchiness on the top of my left hand and red blotches on my face. Has anyone had this rash-like symptom and had it go away after awhile?

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I have taken Multaq for two months, and I am developing red itchy patches on my body. Hydrocortisone has some effect but does not clear them up. I keep getting more spots.

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I also broke out with itchy patches on my arms and feet. My doctor said to discontinue Multaq, but I didn't because I was not sure the drug was the cause. I am going into my third month on Multaq and it is WORKING!!! An ablation did not work and every drug they offer did not work. This is working and I am so thankful. I still get red patches on my skin, but they do not itch. I feel the tradeoff is worth it.

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Paffygirl, my experience and opinion mirrors yours. I'm going to make a dermatology appointment. I also take Digoxin and Metoprolol tartrate. I'll keep you posted.

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Spoke too soon about not having Afib. Had an episode Friday which lasted through the night, but converted on own the next morning. I'm thrilled that my BP remains great and my heart rate has settled down into the 60's and low 70's. Because of the breakthrough Afib and continued itchy skin rash, my cardiologist is suggesting I quit Multaq and consult with an electophysiologist regarding an ablation. So many people report failed ablations that the option doesn't excite me. While on Multaq, has anyone experienced episodes of Afib that have since ceased? Has anyone had the rash totally subside?

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Hi Lara,

I was still having frequent afib episodes during my first week or so of taking multaq, but they've stopped and I haven't had one for about 4 weeks now. My doctor also doubled my Metoprolol dose from 50mg twice a day to 100mg twice a day after that first week.

So far I haven't had any issues with skin rashes.

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Lara, I had 2 ablations and the first made my afib worse, and the second now keeps it for the most part under 200. I tried Multaq, I started this discussion to find out more about it. It did not work for me mainly because the side effects made me feel worse than the AFib. Ask your doctor if you could use Tikosyn it is very guarded and only certain cardiac doctors can dispense it, you even have to look around for an approved pharmacy, but I swear it saved me. It is kind of scary, but no scarrier than Multaq. Just a thought for you, have now been out of the hospital for 2 weeks, a record for me, I usually last 3 days at the most. Carolann

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I forgot to mention, Tikosyn and Couamdin are the only heart related meds I am now on. I was on 5 before the Tikosyn.

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My dermatologist said that I have eczema which is not related to my drugs. That's a relief. I am very pleased with Multaq.

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These are the side effects listed by the FDA.
What are the possible side effects of MULTAQ?

•Slowed heartbeat (bradycardia)
•Stomach problems such as
◦diarrhea
◦nausea
◦vomiting
◦stomach area (abdominal) pain
◦indigestion
•feeling tired and weak
•skin problems such as redness, rash, and itching


Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of MULTAQ. For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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I've been on Multaq for five weeks for Afib. I'm taking it before I have a Cardioversion. My doctor thinks taking this will get rid of the Afib.
I never have a very high heart rate.
But I'm out of rhythm. Only side effect is indigestion. I'm 74

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I've been on Multaq (400 mg 2x a day) since 10/8/09. It has been helpful - but not perfect. I will still occassionaly go out of rhythm - but I seem to convert back within 1 to 6 hours. That's a big improvement compared to not converting back on my own prior to Multaq - or going a couple of days before converting.

I recently had a skin infection also - not sure if it was related to Multaq though. Doctor diagnosed it as Cellulitus and put me 10 days of anti-biotics. I'm currently on day 5 and it is stating to clear up.

But overall, I'd say that Multaq is controlling my AF better than Metoprolol was - so so far so good.

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Had ablation a week ago. Started Multaq in hospital that very night. Have some gastric distress but thats it. Concerned about its effect on creatinine levels. Was asymptomatic prior to the abalation.

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Had 2nd Cardioversion. Was put back into rhythm. One week later had a EKG out of rhythm. Doctor told me to stop taking Multaq.
I will try and live with it. Wishing the rest of you the best of luck.
Ed B

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I have been on Multaq for 2 months on and off. No bad side effects, but I have gone out of rhythm 5 or 6 times. Each time I go back to Flecanide for 1-2 days until rhythm is restored, then back to MUltaq.

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a-fibing for 12 yrs, 2 ablations helped somewhat. taking multaq for 10 days, doing pretty good on it. only side effect is diahrrea which i'm hoping will abate completely.

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I have been taking Multaq for 2 1/2 months and am very pleased with its control of my a-fib. Concurrently however, I have continued to itch and generate eczema patches. Anyone else have the itch?

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I started on Multaq 5 days ago, 400 mg. twice/day, and am in and out of AFib since the second day. I was on 50mg twice a day then they took me off that to start Multaq. Does anyone know if you can just stop taking Multaq without any problems or do you need to come off it slowly? It's awful and I can't reach my doctor.

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Sorry, I left out that I was on 50 mg. twice a day of Metoprolol, which they had me come of before going on Multaq. Usual AFib was once every 3-4 weeks.

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