Multaq
Multaq (dronedarone) is a relatively new drug that is used to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and it seems that almost as soon as Multaq hit the market in 2009 it has been plagued with concerns over its side effects. The concerns were so high that the FDA insisted the manufacturers include a black box warning on the drug before it could be approved. When the drug was originally approved by the FDA on July 2, 2009, it was meant to be used as an alternative to amidarone. It was approved to treat temporary AF.
During a clinical study of Multaq (PALLAS) in 2011, it was found to cause patients to experience a worsening of their heart conditions and even death. This forced the manufacturers, Sanofi-Aventis, to halt the trial altogether. The drug was already getting complaints from patients who had developed liver failure after taking it. The PALLAS study was designed to see how the drug would fare in treating patients with permanent AF. When the PALLAS study was halted, doctors really started taking notice of the dangers linked to Multaq. Ever since then, doctors have been very reluctant to prescribe Multaq to their AF patients — likely for fear of being sued. In fact, most doctors will not even go near it unless all other treatments have failed. This has some wondering if doctors are more afraid to prescribe Multaq than patients are to take it.
In light of all of the dangers linked to Multaq, it is a wonder that the drug hasn’t been recalled, but so far that hasn’t happened. In defense of this, a statement by the drug regulators has stated, “The FDA believes that Multaq provides a benefit for patients with non-permanent AF and recommends that health care professionals who prescribe Multaq follow the recommendations in the revised Multaq drug label.”
For now, AF drugs like Warfarin are gaining in popularity as safer alternatives to Multaq. Lately, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) has been viewed as an even better medication than Warfarin. For now, it seems, Sanofi’s Multaq may eventually get recalled once other drugs start to show themselves as safer and more effective. Until then, patients taking Multaq will continue to file lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure or a worsening heart condition after being treated with Multaq, contact the attorney’s at Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.
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