Multaq May Cause Serious Liver Damage

by Emily Mapp Brannon ebrannon@hsinjurylaw.com

Emily is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

9/26/2011
Emily Mapp Brannon
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Multaq May Cause Serious Liver Damage

Multaq (dronedarone) hit the market promoted as a prescription drug that could reduce the occurrence of atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders. On its website, Sanofi Aventis, the manufacturer of Multaq, proclaimed that the drug can work to lower the "chance that you would need to go to the hospital." But Sanofi conventiently withheld the fact that Multaq can cause serious liver damage.

Multaq was approved by the Food and Drug Administration back in July 2009, but it was not until September 2010 that Sandofi warned consumers about the risk of liver injury. In July 2011 the FDA issued a warning to patients that Multaq was linked to an increased risk of acute liver failure and other liver problems.

That's right, the FDA approved a drug without fully understanding the medication's side effects. This is another example of large drug manufacturers like Sanofi and an overwhelmed FDA, failing to ensure that their prescription drugs are safe for consumers before they enter the mainstream market. Approximately one million prescriptions for Multaq were dispensed between July 2009 and June 2011, and some 241,000 patients filled Multaq prescriptions at retail pharmacies in the United States, according to the FDA.

"So far, 24 people have died after taking Multaq, and 363 adverse events such as hepatic [liver] failure have been reported by Multaq users," according to stopfib.org. Because of this increased risk of liver injury, new warnings and information are now being added to the Multaq label. If you are a Multaq user, the signs of liver injury include vomiting, fever, anorexia, nausea, fatigue, jaundice, dark urine and general weakness or discomfort. If you or a loved one has suffered liver damage, or another serious Multaq side effect, speak to a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

The evidence indicates that Multaq may have been rushed to the market without proper research and testing, meaning patients are now suffering the consequences. For example, some victims suffered liver damage so severe that they required a liver transplant.

To learn more about dangerous drugs and legal claims by imjured patients, check out this article, written by experienced prescription drug injury attorneys.

PA

Category: Dangerous Drugs & Devices/Product Recalls

Labels: atrial fibrillation Brannon drug FDA fepatic failure injury liver damage liver transplant Multaq prescription drug prescription drug injury lawyer Sanofi Aventis side effects

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling cases for victims of dangerous drugs and prescription drug errors. Check out our dangerous drug information page to learn more about side effects and recalls. We represent clients in dangerous drug, dangerous medical device, and faulty product claims throughout the USA when the product/device was sold nationwide.

Our firm has been recognized as one of the best injury law firms in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report since 2010. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and have been recognized as the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Shapiro, Lewis and Appleton have also been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law. Fewer than 5 percent of practicing lawyers are chosen to receive this honor.

In addition, our firm was the first in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

While not every case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential injury case consultations. Call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can get back to you.

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