Prescribed to more than 600,000 people in the U.S., Multaq is medication for those who have experienced abnormal or elevated heart rate within the last six months. Multaq, generically known as dronedarone, is made by Sanofi-Aventis and was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2009. Generally, Multaq reduces, if not eliminates, hospitalization for those who are experiencing arterial fibrillation or arterial flutter.
Less than two years after being introduced and widely acclaimed for its effectiveness, Multaq was reported to cause some severe, potentially fatal, complications, including serious liver injury and acute liver failure (Multaq has also been found to double the chance of wrongful death in patients with a history of congestive heart failure or CHF).
Multaq Liver Failure Reports Spark FDA Warning
In January 2011, the FDA alerted the public to dangers associated with Multaq use and required Sanofi-Aventis to include black box warning labels on Multaq packaging (black box warnings are the most serious FDA warning, as they precede a nationwide drug recall). While the FDA has received two reports to date regarding cases of Multaq liver problems that have necessitated liver transplants, many more patients have sustained other serious liver injuries.
Multaq Liver Failure Symptoms
Given the severity of Multaq side effects, it is crucial that patients:
- Discuss their complete medical history with their physicians before starting a course of Multaq (Patients with a history of CHF should not take Multaq due to the high risk of death).
- Familiarize themselves with the symptoms of Multaq liver failure so they know when to seek medical attention. The sooner Multaq liver failure is detected and treated, the better the prognosis.
Multaq liver failure symptoms may include:
- abdominal inflammation
- coma
- confusion
- diarrhea
- jaundice
- nausea
- profuse bleeding from even the mildest of wounds
- severe sleepiness or unyielding fatigue
- susceptibility to bleeding
Multaq Liver Injury Settlements
Patients who have been diagnosed with serious liver injury or liver failure and who have taken Multaq may have a compelling defective drug claim against Sanofi-Aventis. Potential clients can secure compensation for their injuries, losses, pain, and suffering by working with a skilled Multaq liver injury lawyer. Initial consultations are free, and those who choose to stand up for their legal rights and hold Sanofi-Aventis responsible for their negligence will not have to pay any legal fees until they secure a Multaq liver injury settlement.
If you or a loved one takes Multaq and suffers a liver-related injury,you should contact a Multaq liver failure lawyer immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
