An anti-arrhythmic medicine called Multaq had been authorized in 2009 for adult usage in case of atrial fibrillation. Now, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended limiting the use of Multaq.
As per the suggestion, this drug should be prescribed for sustaining heart rhythm following suitable cardioversion. Only after considering other treatment options, Multaq may be prescribed owing to the risk of liver, lung and cardiovascular conditions.
Those who are presently using Multaq are recommended to visit their physician and evaluate the treatment. An initial study namely PALLAS reported acute liver injuries by patients who consumed the medicine.
The results of this study as well as the currently available information led the committee to infer that there was a risk of adverse liver and lung events associated with Multaq. Those suffering from non-permanent atrial fibrillation may also face growing risk of cardiovascular effects as found in the outcomes of the PALLAS study.
Considering the overall balance of benefits and risks, it was found that the advantages outsmart the risks. As per the committee, Multaq could be regarded as a treatment alternative but there are certain rules to be followed as put forward by the committee. Some obligations state that those who have already encountered a drastic effect on the liver or lung should not be given Multaq and patients must keep a tab on the functioning of these organs regularly.
The European Commission will now speculate upon the Committee’s opinion and give its decision.