In a medical blog, Dr. Pullen is questioning Multaq’s role in treating atrial fibrillation. With all of the bad news surrounding the drug’s dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects, the good doctor may be on to something.

Multaq (dronedarone) is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and is approved in the U.S. to treat temporary atrial fibrillation. Most recently, the drug makers had to halt a clinical trial that was hoping to show that the drug can be used to treat permanent atrial fibrillation because — get this — some of the patients were dying. You read that right.

Back in July of this year, the FDA issued a warning against Multaq which asked doctors not to prescribe the drug to patients with permanent atrial fibrillation due to that PALLAS trial. In Dr. Pullen’s blog, he wrote, “Since its release, Multaq has been in the news frequently as the FDA time after time has released warnings about its use. Not phased, the manufacturer pushed ahead with the PALLAS trial.”

He goes on to say, “To date no anti-arrhythmic drugs have been shown to improve outcomes in this high-risk group of patients, and there were hints from the initial ATHENA trial of Multaq that it might improve outcomes.”

While Multaq may be helpful to some of its patients, many are experiencing life-threatening side effects such as liver failure. When the PALLAS trial revealed that patients were experiencing abnormal heart rhythms, it became clear to some people who the benefits may not outweigh the risks with Multaq. In this case, Dr. Pullen may have a point when he says, “The primary question remaining is whether patients currently on Multaq who are maintaining a regular sinus rhythm without any or many episodes of intermittent a-fib should continue the medication or be taken off Multaq.”

If you or a family member has suffered from Multaq liver failure, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting drug injury cases and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.