Multaq Anyone Else Take It (Page 23)
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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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hi jeanne
i was interested in your response. what is your diagnosis? i am 64, diagnosed with cardiomyoipathy 5 years ago and had been stable until jan. i am asymptomatic but my echo showed a decline in my EF from 30/35 to 20. also, rhythm is off - fast. i don't have the "episodes" that folks describe here. active like you, but multaq has slowed me down. any improvement with side effects for you?
anyne else with similar circumstances.BQLZ

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Debbie, they have to review my reply first before they'll post it. I must have used a word or something that set their alarm off, lol!

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Debbie, if you look at most of the drugs out there, most are scary and have dangers associated with them.

They recently said in their last test trial that Multaq could cause liver problems because a couple of people died even though there are about 400,000 people taking it with no similar problems.

They have to put out a warning on any drug if something occurs because it's the law, even if only one person died out of a million they would have to put a warning out.

I fit the profile for taking Multaq and have been on it for about 5 months now and haven't had a single Afib attack since. Some people are saying it makes them very tired, I don't have that problem with it.

Everyone has a different physiology and drugs will have different effects on different people. People taking other drugs or having a certain illness can cause serious side effects taking any drug. Everyone has their own set of factors that may or may not cause problems.

Check out the page link below, it will give you some good info on Multaq and should explain more to you than I can.
Multaq Permanent Atrial Fibrillation Trial Stopped - Causes Increased Cardiovascular Problems

Go to Google and put in "permanent atrial fibrillation" with the quotes. You'll get a lot of info.

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Gary: why did that study refer to "patients with permanent afib" ? Have you read this study and do you know anything about it? They keep coming up with studies that say this drug can cause death and it's scary.

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Been taking MULTAQ for 8 months,twice a day with meals. I am 70 yrs. old, very busy life style, need at least 1 hr rest in the afternoon. Have a very mild episode once in a while, otherwise MULTAQ is keeping me in rythym. I do have other issues with taking this drug. Have bouts of anxiety once in a while, also I feel my nervous system has been affected, have discussed this issue with doctor, and am told my body is very sensitive to meds??? Wondering if anyone else on this forum has experienced these symptoms? This is not the way I pictured my Golden Years. Good luck to all of you taking this drug.

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The last stage of atrial fibrillation is referred to as permanent atrial fibrillation or longstanding atrial fibrillation. The old term was chronic atrial fibrillation but today permanent atrial fibrillation is described as atrial fibrillation that continues despite most therapeutic options to treat it.

Permanent Afib is now usually called longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. The previous stages of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation when they occur more frequently eventually become Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

The term Permanent atrial fibrillation has fallen out of favor now because with the advancements constantly being made in the treatment of afib. It is now thought that most, if not all, atrial fibrillation can be controlled or cured.

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Patty: If he doesn't email me back, I'm going to call him Monday. I'll let you know what he says.

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i would be very interested to hear what your doc says about "permanent" AF. it seems as if many folks on this site would fall into that category yet many of us aFXXCSDre taking multaq.

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I have been taking this drug for about a year, and I'm tired all the time.

Did anyone see the newest study about Multaq? That there is an increased risk of "cardiovascular events" among patients with permanent AF. I don't know what permanent AF is. I emailed my doctor but haven't received a response.

You can see a synopsis of this study on trusted cardiology news and opinions

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i have only been on multaq for a week. my main side effect is feeling tired about 2 hours after i take the morning pill. does this improve over time or is this a permanent effect?

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I too had some headaches and stomach discomfort at first but it left after a week or so, make sure to eat food with the Multaq. 3 and a half months out from ablation and off the Multaq had one spell had to cardiovert 2 months after ablation while on multaq but doing well now, sure doesnt take much to elevate the heart rate though

Tutsi- how old were you when you were daignosed with Afib?

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hi cindy
i have been on the same dosage for multaq for 7 days. i was hesitant to take the 800 mg/day but my doc said it was needed at the beginning. i, too, have headaches - and a little stomach problem,

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Excellent insight, every one's body and mind reacts to live's experiences in its own way. What was fed the body and mind in the past influences greatly the present. Another reason to consume and do good stuff....

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Tutsi - I don;t think it is all about the alcohol as your message implies. A diagnosis like this involves so many changes and choices.....and it takes time to realize how we individually will deal with it. I am only 59 and have lived a life that included the freedom of many choices - and am gradually dealing with the sugar thing and the electrolite thing and the food thing and the alcohol thing and the stress thing and the anxiety thing and the dehydration thing and the medication versus surgery thing and the emotional thing and the family involvement thing etc etc. It takes time. And change..... and no judgement from others who are in the same boat would be nice,as well. Good luck to all my friends dealing - in their own ways - with this awful disease. That includes you Tutsi, as well.

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Hi, anyone who wants to read.

Either some of you are so young and foolish that all you think of is that drink that you would like to keep on having - and it seems that the drink is more important than taking care of your heart and medication you are on. If people had a normal heart rate and no a-fib then some wines are probably good for the heart. My feeling is this that either you people take care of your hearts or keep on drinking and see what happens. You see I wasn't born yesterday!! Good luck to you all.
.

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A glass of wine every night!!! , wine seems to work for some reason (relaxation?)
I'm on Multaq

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Alcohol....I hate to admit it but the Multaq is trying to keep you in NSR and the wine etc. are trying just the opposite. Alcohol stimulates my heart ( and sugar too late at night ) and with the AFIB - even on Multaq - makes it race...leads to fibbing. I have been on it a year and have tried all diff combos of no-alcohol....just wine....small vodka....all do the same. For 4 months after startinfg Multaq, no problem but these drugs like to wear off and now if I do have a drink....almost guaranteed fibbing. Maybe you will be different - hope so !

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I just started on Multaq four days ago and had red wine the last two nights and plan on having another glass tonight. However, I am very concerned about this medication and am considering seeing another doc for a second opinion.

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My own experience is terrific, this is all I can say. I had attacks causing loss of consciousness for a short while until I was put on Multaq 10months ago. I take it twice a day and have greatly improved. Every drug has some side effects, it is unavoidable but I have had so far not more than some abdominal discomfort. BUT: Every person reacts differently to a drug. We must remember this. I saw my Dr. once after having taking the drug for 5 months and he was satisfied with the progress. I can get a slight attack once, maximum twice a month which can last up to 8 hours. These attacks do not disable me from functioning and doing my work. I just feel a bit miserable and out of sorts kind but it is bearable. I will go back to see my Dr. in 2 months time. I got a prescription for ONE YEAR which will then be completed. Take courage and start the drug. I only wish that you respond to is as well as I have. Multaq is to prevent the Afib attacks and it has done so with me. Trust that it will do the same to you.

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Maebellino,

You are welcome. You don't have to start with a new doctor - in these types of things like A-fib one should always seek a few opinions and always have someone knowledgeable with you - I have been fortunate to have my sons, one or the other, accompany me - and always have your questions ready. for the doctor. It does not mean that one switches doctors you are just seeking the best information these doctors have and then hopefully come to a conclusion what would be good for you and which one had the most experience whatever procedure you are seeking. Most insurances cover second etc opinions. Doctor's offices now-a-days will check ahead of time if the office visit is covered or not and let you know.
Good luck to you.

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