Mulitaq is a drug that is sometimes prescribed for abnormal heart rhythms. This drug is considered safe for most heart patients. However, patients who suffer from permanent abnormal heart rhythms may increase their risk of heart attack or stroke if they take this drug, and there is a slight risk of serious liver problems associated with it.
Mulitaq is approved for patients who have had abnormal heart rhythms for at least six months. However, in 2011 the FDA revised its recommendations regarding this drug. After looking at two clinical trials, the FDA concluded that the drug was safe for patients whose abnormal rhythms could be expected to be reversed. However, if a patient requires the use of a pacemaker or other device to permanently regulate his heartbeat, the drug is not considered safe.
The FDA came to this conclusion after a clinical trial of Mulitaq had to be terminated before the study’s end date. This study examined the effect of Mulitaq on patients who had permanent abnormalities in their heart rhythms. A significant number of participants suffered from a heart attack or stroke after taking Mulitaq, while patients in a control group didn’t experience an unusual number of these types of problems. The FDA therefore concluded that Mulitaq was not a safe treatment for patients with this particular heart condition.
In addition to these problems, certain patients may develop serious liver problems as a result of taking Mulitaq. Out of about 169,000 Mulitaq prescriptions between 2009 and 2011, two patients suffered from liver failure and had to have a liver transplant as a result. Since this side effect is rare, it is not considered a high risk. However, patients should be aware of potential liver problems when taking this medication and should tell their doctor immediately if they develop symptoms of liver disease such as light stools, itching and yellow eyes or skin.
Mulitaq is relatively safe to use to treat abnormal heart rhythms, depending on the cause of the abnormal rhythm. Patients should discuss any concerns they have regarding this drug with their doctors prior to beginning the medication and should continue to see their doctors regularly after beginning the medication so that they can catch serious health problems as soon as possible.
Reference
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm240024.htm