Quoted from http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/126799568.html
Drug Multaq risky for one kind of atrial fibrillation: Health Canada
By: The Canadian Press
Posted: 08/4/2011 5:05 PM
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising doctors not to prescribe the drug Multaq to patients with a certain heart rhythm disorder after a large international study found the medication may increase their risk of serious cardiovascular events.
The PALLAS study of the Sanofi-made drug, known generically as dronedarone, was halted when preliminary data suggested that patients with permanent atrial fibrillation were at a higher risk of heart-related events and stroke compared to patients not given Multaq.
Multaq helps control the abnormal heart rate and rhythm of AF, but in Canada the drug is authorized only for patients with various forms of intermittent atrial fibrillation — not the permanent form.
The trial had been exploring the use of Multaq in patients over 65 with permanent atrial fibrillation, in addition to other forms of heart disease.
Health Canada said patients taking Multaq should not stop the drug without talking to their health-care provider.
Patients should also speak to their health professional if they have concerns or if they notice any unexpected or worsening symptoms while taking Multaq, such as increasing shortness of breath, swelling of feet or legs, trouble breathing while lying down or sleeping, and-or shortness of breath while moving around.