Multaq 400mg

 I;m a 74 year old male and have been taking Multaq 400 mg 2x/day since shortly after my pacemeker implant in 2000, The cost  of Multaq has skyrocketed and it's getting ridiculously expensive.  In addition I was having side effects (weight gain and uncontrollable diarrhea (frequently couldn't make it to the toilet in time from my recliner only 30 feet away).  I talked to my cardio about stopping Multaq and about alternatives to it.  I did my research on the drugs he said I could take and decided I didn't want to take any of them because of side effects.  My cardio urged me not to stop taking the Multaq.  After doing my online research about its' efficacy I told him I was going to stop taking the Multaq but I had a full 30 day bottle of the drug in reserve in case I experienced any problems..I stopped taking Multaq 04/2018.  It;s now mid June and the only thing I noticed during the first week after quitting was some othostatic hypotension and some equilibrium dysfunction.  Both disappeared after about a week.  As far as I know I have had no negative effects due to stopping the Multaq.  Of course, as far as I am aware, I've never had an a-fib episode even though the Drs. assistant asks me almost every time I go in for my pacemaker check  if I'm aware I've had some episodes.  Apparently I don't know what an a-fib episode feels like. Go figure!!!

3 Comments

Yikes!

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-11 21:51:20

Yeow! That stuff is expensive!

Obviously you're asymptomatic (lucky you) so the big issue with AF is keeping your heart rate down.  In fact, most people with AF aren't on rhythm control at all, rather are heart rate controlled with a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker.  You're right about rhythm control drugs - they all have pretty serious side effects (and it's not if you'll be affected, rather when).

That said, just stopping any drugs prescribed for AF isn't a good idea.  AF can easily turn into V-tach, which can be deadly.  Given that you're asymtomatic, it would seem that a rate control drug would be the appropriate course.  They're not without problems but they're nothing like antiarrythmetics.  You really should talk to your EP about this more.

 

Talk to doc about Meta-mucili take the powder, and snack on the fiber crackers.

by tedd - 2018-06-15 00:55:17

Hi,

you may want to read up on Meta- mucil.

its primarily fiber to help me stay regular but it is not too strong.

Maybe talk to your doc about it.

 

 

To Afib or not to Afib

by Cathyfrn - 2018-06-25 19:01:20

I've always been able to tell when I've been in Afib by checking my pulse once a day usually. It's called the Irregularly Irregular rhythm and that's exactly what it feels like if you check your pulse. I also double check with a pulse ox that has a very short rhythm representation displayed on it. Very cool and inexpensive tool to have. I agree that you should talk to your EP and have a list of questions to take with you. DO some online research and have them explain anything that you don't understand. My favorite question to ask before I leave the Doctor's offiice is " What other questions should I have asked that we did not cover today?"

Once you've had Afib or flutter you are at high risk of having it or a more complex rhythm return. SO whether or not you are on a rate and/or rhythm control medication, you should listen to your body, talk to your doctor and always check before changing, adding or discontinueing any Rx or OTC meds.

Sorry, I didn't mean for this to be so long...

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