On January 14, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a national public warning regarding the risk of developing severe liver injury and liver failure as a result of taking Multaq (generically drondarone).
The FDA has received two reports of patients developing acute liver failure and requiring liver transplants due to severe Multaq complications. When this FDA Multaq warning was issued, the FDA also mandated that Sanofi-Aventis, the maker of Multaq, include a Black Box warning label on all packaging and advertising. Black Box warnings are the most severe of all FDA warnings, as they are the last step before a full-fledged recall.
Taken by more than 600,000 people in the U.S., Multaq is prescribed for the treatment of arterial fibrillation and arterial flutter in patients who experienced an irregular heartbeat within the past six months. Multaq was first approved by the FDA in July 2009 and is not indicated for patients with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF). In addition to reports regarding Multaq-related liver failure, this medication has also been found to double the risk of fatality in patients with CHF.
Symptoms of Multaq Liver Failure
Unfortunately, the initial symptoms of Multaq liver failure are fairly mild and easy to mistake for other illnesses, such as food poisoning or influenza. This complicates a prompt, accurate diagnosis of liver failure, which means that the condition may go untreated and progress to potentially life-threatening. Symptoms can include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and lack of appetite.
As the condition progresses, however, the symptoms become more severe and apparent. Later-stage symptoms of liver failure may include:
- abdominal inflammation
- coma
- confusion
- jaundice
- severe sleepiness
- susceptibility to bleeding
Multaq Liver Failure Lawyers
Those who experience liver problems and have a history of taking Multaq are encouraged to learn more about their legal rights and entitlements by attending a complimentary consultation with a skilled Multaq liver failure attorney. These defective drug lawyers are dedicated to aggressively asserting victims’ rights, and they will work tirelessly to hold Sanofi-Aventis legally and financially responsible in any necessary legal proceeding (including in arbitration, mediation, and at trial). Those who choose to stand up for their rights will not have to pay any legal fees until they are granted a settlement.
If you or a loved one takes Multaq and suffers a liver-related injury, you should contact our Multaq liver injury lawyers immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
