Multaq
FDA Label NDC 54868-3086

In patients with symptomatic heart failure and recent decompensation requiring hospitalization or NYHA Class IV heart failure; MULTAQ doubles the risk of death. (14.3) MULTAQ is contraindicated in patients with symptomatic heart failure with recent decompensation requiring hospitalization or NYHA Class IV heart failure. (4, 5.1)

In patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, MULTAQ doubles the risk of death, stroke and hospitalization for heart failure. (14.4). MULTAQ is contraindicated in patients in atrial fibrillation (AF) who will not or cannot be cardioverted into normal sinus rhythm. (4, 5.2)

MULTAQ^® is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation in patients in sinus rhythm with a history of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) [see Clinical Studies (14)].

The recommended dosage of MULTAQ is 400 mg twice daily in adults. MULTAQ should be taken as one tablet with the morning meal and one tablet with the evening meal.

Treatment with Class I or III antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, disopyramide, dofetilide, sotalol) or drugs that are strong inhibitors of CYP3A (e.g., ketoconazole) must be stopped before starting MULTAQ [see Contraindications (4)].

MULTAQ 400 mg tablets are provided as white film-coated tablets for oral administration, oblong-shaped, engraved with a double wave marking on one side and "4142" code on the other side.

MULTAQ is contraindicated in patients with:

• Permanent atrial fibrillation (patients in whom normal sinus rhythm will not or cannot be restored) [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Symptomatic heart failure with recent decompensation requiring hospitalization or NYHA Class IV symptoms [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, or sick sinus syndrome (except when used in conjunction with a functioning pacemaker)
• Bradycardia <50 bpm
• Concomitant use of strong CYP 3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, cyclosporine, telithromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone, and ritonavir [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]
• Concomitant use of drugs or herbal products that prolong the QT interval and might increase the risk of Torsade de Pointes, such as phenothiazine anti-psychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, certain oral macrolide antibiotics, and Class I and III antiarrhythmics
• Liver toxicity related to the previous use of amiodarone
• QTc Bazett interval ≥500 ms or PR interval >280 ms
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Pregnancy (Category X): MULTAQ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. MULTAQ is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
• Nursing mothers [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]

MULTAQ is contraindicated in patients with NYHA Class IV heart failure or symptomatic heart failure with recent decompensation requiring hospitalization because it doubles the risk of death.

MULTAQ doubles the risk of cardiovascular death (largely arrhythmic) and heart failure events in patients with permanent AF. Patients treated with dronedarone should undergo monitoring of cardiac rhythm no less often than every 3 months. Cardiovert patients who are in atrial fibrillation (if clinically indicated) or discontinue MULTAQ. MULTAQ offers no benefit in subjects in permanent AF.

In a placebo-controlled study in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, dronedarone was associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly in the first two weeks of therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. MULTAQ should only be initiated in patients in sinus rhythm who are receiving appropriate antithrombotic therapy [see Drug interactions (7.3)].

New onset or worsening of heart failure has been reported during treatment with MULTAQ in the postmarketing setting. In a placebo controlled study in patients with permanent AF increased rates of heart failure were observed in patients with normal left ventricular function and no history of symptomatic heart failure, as well as those with a history of heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction.

Advise patients to consult a physician if they develop signs or symptoms of heart failure, such as weight gain, dependent edema, or increasing shortness of breath. If heart failure develops or worsens and requires hospitalization, discontinue MULTAQ.

Hepatocellular liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has been reported in patients treated with MULTAQ in the post-marketing setting. Advise patients treated with MULTAQ to report immediately symptoms suggesting hepatic injury (such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever, malaise, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, dark urine, or itching). Consider obtaining periodic hepatic serum enzymes, especially during the first 6 months of treatment, but it is not known whether routine periodic monitoring of serum enzymes will prevent the development of severe liver injury. If hepatic injury is suspected, promptly discontinue MULTAQ and test serum enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as serum bilirubin, to establish whether there is liver injury. If liver injury is found, institute appropriate treatment and investigate the probable cause. Do not restart MULTAQ in patients without another explanation for the observed liver injury.

Hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia may occur with concomitant administration of potassium-depleting diuretics. Potassium levels should be within the normal range prior to administration of MULTAQ and maintained in the normal range during administration of MULTAQ.

Dronedarone induces a moderate (average of about 10 ms but much greater effects have been observed) QTc (Bazett) prolongation [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) and Clinical Studies (14.1)]. If the QTc Bazett interval is ≥500 ms, discontinue MULTAQ [see Contraindications (4)].

Small increases in creatinine levels (about 0.1 mg/dL) following dronedarone treatment initiation have been shown to be a result of inhibition of creatinine's tubular secretion. ..

The elevation has a rapid onset, reaches a plateau after 7 days and is reversible after discontinuation.

Larger increases in creatinine after dronedarone initiation have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Some cases also reported increases in blood urea nitrogen. In most cases, these effects appear to be reversible upon drug discontinuation. Monitor renal function periodically.

Premenopausal women who have not undergone a hysterectomy or oophorectomy must use effective contraception while using MULTAQ. Dronedarone caused fetal harm in animal studies at doses equivalent to recommended human doses. Counsel women of childbearing potential regarding appropriate contraceptive choices. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

The following safety concerns are described elsewhere in the label:

• New or worsening heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia with potassium-depleting diuretics [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

The safety evaluation of dronedarone 400 mg twice daily in patients with AF or AFL is based on 5 placebo controlled studies, ATHENA, EURIDIS, ADONIS, ERATO and DAFNE. In these studies, a total of 6285 patients were randomized and treated, 3282 patients with MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily, and 2875 with placebo. The mean exposure across studies was 12 months. In ATHENA, the maximum follow-up was 30 months.

In clinical trials, premature discontinuation because of adverse reactions occurred in 11.8% of the dronedarone-treated patients and in 7.7% of the placebo-treated group. The most common reasons for discontinuation of therapy with MULTAQ were gastrointestinal disorders (3.2 % versus 1.8% in the placebo group) and QT prolongation (1.5% versus 0.5% in the placebo group).

The most frequent adverse reactions observed with MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily in the 5 studies were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and asthenia.

Table 1 displays adverse reactions more common with dronedarone 400 mg twice daily than with placebo in AF or AFL patients, presented by system organ class and by decreasing order of frequency. Adverse laboratory and ECG effects are presented separately in Table 2.

Photosensitivity reaction and dysgeusia have also been reported at an incidence less than 1% in patients treated with MULTAQ.

The following laboratory data/ECG parameters were reported with MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily.

Assessment of demographic factors such as gender or age on the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events did not suggest an excess of adverse events in any particular sub-group.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of MULTAQ. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of an unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Cardiac: New or worsening heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

Hepatic: Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

Respiratory: Postmarketing cases of interstitial lung disease including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis have been reported.

Drugs prolonging the QT interval (inducing Torsade de Pointes)

Co-administration of drugs prolonging the QT interval (such as certain phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, certain macrolide antibiotics, and Class I and III antiarrhythmics) is contraindicated because of the potential risk of Torsade de Pointes-type ventricular tachycardia [see Contraindications (4)].

Digoxin

Digoxin can potentiate the electrophysiologic effects of dronedarone (such as decreased AV-node conduction). In clinical trials, increased levels of digoxin were observed when dronedarone was co-administered with digoxin. Gastrointestinal disorders were also increased.

Because of the pharmacokinetic interaction [see Drug Interaction (7.3)] and possible pharmacodynamic interaction, consider the need for continued digoxin therapy. If digoxin treatment is continued, halve the dose of digoxin, monitor serum levels closely, and observe for toxicity.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers with depressant effects on the sinus and AV nodes could potentiate dronedarone's effects on conduction.

Give low doses of calcium channel blockers initially and increase only after ECG verification of good tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

Beta-blockers

In clinical trials, bradycardia was more frequently observed when dronedarone was given in combination with beta-blockers.

Give low dose of beta-blockers initially, and increase only after ECG verification of good tolerability [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

Ketoconazole and other potent CYP 3A inhibitors

Repeated doses of ketoconazole, a strong CYP 3A inhibitor, resulted in a 17-fold increase in dronedarone exposure and a 9-fold increase in C_max. Concomitant use of ketoconazole as well as other potent CYP 3A inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, and nefazodone is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4)].

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice, a moderate inhibitor of CYP 3A, resulted in a 3-fold increase in dronedarone exposure and a 2.5-fold increase in C_max. Therefore, patients should avoid grapefruit juice beverages while taking MULTAQ.

Rifampin and other CYP 3A inducers

Rifampin decreased dronedarone exposure by 80%. Avoid rifampin or other CYP 3A inducers such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St John's wort with dronedarone because they decrease its exposure significantly.

Calcium channel blockers

Verapamil and diltiazem are moderate CYP 3A inhibitors and increase dronedarone exposure by approximately 1.4-to 1.7-fold [see Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.3)].

Pantoprazole

Pantoprazole, a drug that increases gastric pH, did not have a significant effect on dronedarone pharmacokinetics.

Statins

Dronedarone increased simvastatin/simvastatin acid exposure by 4- and 2-fold, respectively. Because of multiple mechanisms of interaction with statins (CYPs and transporters), follow statin label recommendations for use with CYP 3A and P-gP inhibitors such as dronedarone.

Calcium channel blockers

Dronedarone increases calcium channel blocker (verapamil, diltiazem or nifedipine) exposure by 1.4- to 1.5-fold [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Sirolimus, tacrolimus, and other CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic range

Dronedarone can increase plasma concentrations of tacrolimus, sirolimus, and other CYP 3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic range when given orally. Monitor plasma concentrations and adjust dosage appropriately.

Beta-blockers and other CYP 2D6 substrates

Dronedarone increased propranolol exposure by approximately 1.3-fold following single dose administration. Dronedarone increased metoprolol exposure by 1.6-fold following multiple dose administration [see Drug Interaction (7.1)]. Other CYP 2D6 substrates, including other beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may have increased exposure upon co-administration with dronedarone.

P-glycoprotein substrates

Warfarin and losartan (CYP 2C9 substrates)

Losartan

No interaction was observed between dronedarone and losartan.

Warfarin

When healthy subjects were administered dronedarone 600 mg twice daily, exposure to S-warfarin was higher than when warfarin was administered alone (1.2-fold). Exposure to R-warfarin was unchanged and there were no clinically significant increases in INR.

More patients experienced clinically significant INR elevations (≥ 5) usually within 1 week after starting dronedarone vs. placebo in patients taking oral anticoagulants in ATHENA. However, no excess risk of bleeding was observed in the dronedarone group.

Postmarketing cases of increased INR with or without bleeding events have been reported in warfarin-treated patients initiated on dronedarone. Monitor INR after initiating dronedarone in patients taking warfarin.

Theophylline (CYP 1A2 substrate)

Dronedarone does not increase steady state theophylline exposure.

Oral contraceptives

No decreases in ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel concentrations were observed in healthy subjects receiving dronedarone concomitantly with oral contraceptives.

Electrophysiological effects

Dronedarone exhibits properties of all four Vaughn-Williams antiarrhythmic classes, although it is unclear which of these are important in producing dronedarone's clinical effects. The effect of dronedarone on 12-lead ECG parameters (heart rate, PR, and QTc) was investigated in healthy subjects following repeated oral doses up to 1600 mg once daily or 800 mg twice daily for 14 days and 1600 mg twice daily for 10 days. In the dronedarone 400 mg twice daily group, there was no apparent effect on heart rate; a moderate heart rate lowering effect (about 4 bpm) was noted at 800 mg twice daily. There was a clear dose-dependent effect on PR-interval with an increase of +5 ms at 400 mg twice daily and up to +50 ms at 1600 mg twice daily. There was a moderate dose related effect on the QTc-interval with an increase of +10 ms at 400 mg twice daily and up to +25 ms with 1600 mg twice daily.

DAFNE study

DAFNE was a dose-response study in patients with recurrent AF, evaluating the effect of dronedarone in comparison with placebo in maintaining sinus rhythm. The doses of dronedarone in this study were 400, 600, and 800 mg twice a day. In this small study, doses above 400 mg were not more effective and were less well tolerated.

Absorption

Because of presystemic first pass metabolism the absolute bioavailability of dronedarone without food is low, about 4%. It increases to approximately 15% when dronedarone is administered with a high fat meal. After oral administration in fed conditions, peak plasma concentrations of dronedarone and the main circulating active metabolite (N-debutyl metabolite) are reached within 3 to 6 hours. After repeated administration of 400 mg twice daily, steady state is reached within 4 to 8 days of treatment and the mean accumulation ratio for dronedarone ranges from 2.6 to 4.5. The steady state C_max and exposure of the main N-debutyl metabolite is similar to that of the parent compound. The pharmacokinetics of dronedarone and its N-debutyl metabolite both deviate moderately from dose proportionality: a 2-fold increase in dose results in an approximate 2.5- to 3.0- fold increase with respect to C_max and AUC.

Distribution

The in vitro plasma protein binding of dronedarone and its N-debutyl metabolite is >98 % and not saturable. Both compounds bind mainly to albumin. After intravenous (IV) administration the volume of distribution at steady state is about 1400 L.

Metabolism

Dronedarone is extensively metabolized, mainly by CYP 3A. The initial metabolic pathway includes N-debutylation to form the active N-debutyl metabolite, oxidative deamination to form the inactive propanoic acid metabolite, and direct oxidation. The metabolites undergo further metabolism to yield over 30 uncharacterized metabolites. The N-debutyl metabolite exhibits pharmacodynamic activity but is 1/10 to 1/3 as potent as dronedarone

Excretion/Elimination

In a mass balance study with orally administered dronedarone (¹⁴C-labeled) approximately 6% of the labeled dose was excreted in urine, mainly as metabolites (no unchanged compound excreted in urine), and 84% was excreted in feces, mainly as metabolites. Dronedarone and its N-debutyl active metabolite accounted for less than 15% of the resultant radioactivity in the plasma.

After IV administration the plasma clearance of dronedarone ranges from 130 to 150 L/h. The elimination half-life of dronedarone ranges from 13 to 19 hours.

Special populations

Gender

Dronedarone exposures are on average 30% higher in females than in males.

Race

Pharmacokinetic differences related to race were not formally assessed. However, based on a cross study comparison, following single dose administration (400 mg), Asian males (Japanese) have about a 2-fold higher exposure than Caucasian males. The pharmacokinetics of dronedarone in other races has not been assessed.

Elderly

Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of dronedarone, 73% were 65 years of age and over and 34% were 75 and over. In patients aged 65 years old and above, dronedarone exposures are 23% higher than in patients less than 65 years old [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Hepatic impairment

In subjects with moderate hepatic impairment, the mean dronedarone exposure increased by 1.3-fold relative to subjects with normal hepatic function and the mean exposure of the N-debutyl metabolite decreased by about 50%. Pharmacokinetic data were significantly more variable in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment.

The effect of severe hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of dronedarone was not assessed [see Contraindications (4)].

Renal impairment

Consistent with the low renal excretion of dronedarone, no pharmacokinetic difference was observed in subjects with mild or moderate renal impairment compared to subjects with normal renal function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. No pharmacokinetic difference was observed in patients with mild to severe renal impairment in comparison with patients with normal renal function.

Additional bar code label applied by:
Physicians Total Care, Inc.
Tulsa, Oklahoma       74146

Dronedarone is metabolized primarily by CYP 3A and is a moderate inhibitor of CYP 3A and CYP 2D6 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Dronedarone's blood levels can therefore be affected by inhibitors and inducers of CYP 3A, and dronedarone can interact with drugs that are substrates of CYP 3A and CYP 2D6.

Dronedarone has no significant potential to inhibit CYP 1A2, CYP 2C9, CYP 2C19, CYP 2C8 and CYP 2B6. It has the potential to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gP) transport.

Pharmacodynamic interactions can be expected with beta-blockers; calcium antagonists and digoxin [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

In clinical trials, patients treated with dronedarone received concomitant medications including beta-blockers, digoxin, calcium antagonists (including those with heart rate-lowering effects), statins and oral anticoagulants.

Pregnancy Category X [see Contraindications (4)]

MULTAQ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal studies, dronedarone was teratogenic in rats at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), and in rabbits at half the MRHD. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

When pregnant rats received dronedarone at oral doses greater than or equal to the MRHD (on a mg/m² basis), fetuses had increased rates of external, visceral and skeletal malformations (cranioschisis, cleft palate, incomplete evagination of pineal body, brachygnathia, partially fused carotid arteries, truncus arteriosus, abnormal lobation of the liver, partially duplicated inferior vena cava, brachydactyly, ectrodactylia, syndactylia, and anterior and/or posterior club feet). When pregnant rabbits received dronedarone, at a dose approximately half the MRHD (on a mg/m² basis), fetuses had an increased rate of skeletal abnormalities (anomalous ribcage and vertebrae, pelvic asymmetry) at doses ≥20 mg/kg (the lowest dose tested and approximately half the MRHD on a mg/m² basis).

Actual animal doses: rat (≥80 mg/kg/day); rabbit (≥20 mg/kg)

It is not known whether MULTAQ is excreted in human milk. Dronedarone and its metabolites are excreted in rat milk. During a pre- and post-natal study in rats, maternal dronedarone administration was associated with minor reduced body-weight gain in the offspring. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from MULTAQ, discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug [see Contraindications (4)].

Safety and efficacy in children below the age of 18 years have not been established.

More than 4500 patients with AF or AFL aged 65 years or above were included in the MULTAQ clinical program (of whom more than 2000 patients were 75 years or older). Efficacy and safety were similar in elderly and younger patients.

Patients with renal impairment were included in clinical studies. Because renal excretion of dronedarone is minimal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], no dosing alteration is needed.

Dronedarone is extensively metabolized by the liver. There is little clinical experience with moderate hepatic impairment and none with severe impairment. No dosage adjustment is recommended for moderate hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

In the event of overdosage, monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm and blood pressure. Treatment should be supportive and based on symptoms.

It is not known whether dronedarone or its metabolites can be removed by dialysis (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration).

There is no specific antidote available.

Dronedarone HCl is a benzofuran derivative with the following chemical name:

N-{2-butyl-3-[4-(3-dibutylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]benzofuran-5-yl} methanesulfonamide, hydrochloride.

Dronedarone HCl is a white fine powder that is practically insoluble in water and freely soluble in methylene chloride and methanol.

Its empirical formula is C₃₁H₄₄N₂O₅ S, HCl with a relative molecular mass of 593.2. Its structural formula is:

Chemical Structure (Multaq 01)

MULTAQ is provided as tablets for oral administration.

Each tablet of MULTAQ contains 400 mg of dronedarone (expressed as base).

The inactive ingredients are:

•  Core of the tablets- hypromellose, starch, crospovidone, poloxamer 407, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate.
•  Coating / polishing of the tablets- hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 6000, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax.

The mechanism of action of dronedarone is unknown. Dronedarone has antiarrhythmic properties belonging to all four Vaughan-Williams classes, but the contribution of each of these activities to the clinical effect is unknown.

Dronedarone is extensively metabolized and has low systemic bioavailability; its bioavailability is increased by meals. Its elimination half life is 13–19 hours.

In studies in which dronedarone was administered to rats and mice for up to 2 years at doses of up to 70 mg/kg/day and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively, there was an increased incidence of histiocytic sarcomas in dronedarone-treated male mice (300 mg/kg/day or 5× the maximum recommended human dose based on AUC comparisons), mammary adenocarcinomas in dronedarone-treated female mice (300 mg/kg/day or 8× MRHD based on AUC comparisons) and hemangiomas in dronedarone-treated male rats (70 mg/kg/day or 5× MRHD based on AUC comparisons).

Dronedarone did not demonstrate genotoxic potential in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test, the Ames bacterial mutation assay, the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay, or an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in human lymphocytes. S-9 processed dronedarone, however, was positive in a V79 transfected Chinese hamster V79 assay.

In fertility studies conducted with female rats, dronedarone given prior to breeding and implantation caused an increase in irregular estrus cycles and cessation of cycling at doses ≥10mg/kg (equivalent to 0.12× the MRHD on a mg/m² basis).

Corpora lutea, implantations and live fetuses were decreased at 100 mg/kg (equivalent to 1.2× the MRHD on a mg/m² basis). There were no reported effects on mating behavior or fertility of male rats at doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day.

Dronedarone was teratogenic in rats given oral doses ≥80 mg/kg/day (a dose equivalent to the maximum recommended human dose [MHRD] on a mg/m² basis), with fetuses showing external, visceral and skeletal malformations (cranioschisis, cleft palate, incomplete evagination of pineal body, brachygnathia, partially fused carotid arteries, truncus arteriosus, abnormal lobation of the liver, partially duplicated inferior vena cava, brachydactyly, ectrodactylia, syndactylia, and anterior and/or posterior club feet). In rabbits, dronedarone caused an increase in skeletal abnormalities (anomalous ribcage and vertebrae, pelvic asymmetry) at doses ≥20 mg/kg (the lowest dose tested and approximately half the MRHD on a mg/m² basis).

ATHENA was a multicenter, multinational, double blind, and randomized placebo-controlled study of dronedarone in 4628 patients with a recent history of AF/AFL who were in sinus rhythm or who were to be converted to sinus rhythm. The objective of the study was to determine whether dronedarone could delay death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons.

Initially patients were to be ≥70 years old, or <70 years old with at least one risk factor (including hypertension, diabetes, prior cerebrovascular accident, left atrial diameter ≥50 mm or LVEF<0.40). The inclusion criteria were later changed such that patients were to be ≥75 years old, or ≥70 years old with at least one risk factor. Patients had to have both AF/AFL and sinus rhythm documented within the previous 6 months. Patients could have been in AF/AFL or in sinus rhythm at the time of randomization, but patients not in sinus rhythm were expected to be either electrically or chemically converted to normal sinus rhythm after anticoagulation.

Subjects were randomized and treated for up to 30 months (median follow-up: 22 months) with either MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily (2301 patients) or placebo (2327 patients), in addition to conventional therapy for cardiovascular diseases that included beta-blockers (71%), ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)(69%), digoxin (14%), calcium antagonists (14%), statins (39%), oral anticoagulants (60%), aspirin (44%), other chronic antiplatelet therapy (6%) and diuretics (54%).

The primary endpoint of the study was the time to first hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons or death from any cause. Time to death from any cause, time to first hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons, and time to cardiovascular death and time to all causes of death were also explored.

Patients ranged in age from 23 to 97 years; 42% were 75 years old or older. Forty-seven percent (47%) of patients were female and a majority was Caucasian (89%). Approximately seventy percent (71%) of those enrolled had no history of heart failure. The median ejection fraction was 60%. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of patients had heart failure, mostly NYHA class II (17%). The majority had hypertension (86%) and structural heart disease (60%).

Results are shown in Table 3. MULTAQ reduced the combined endpoint of cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause by 24.2% when compared to placebo. This difference was entirely attributable to its effect on cardiovascular hospitalization, principally hospitalization related to AF.

Other endpoints, death from any cause and first hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons, are shown in Table 3. Secondary endpoints count all first events of a particular type, whether or not they were preceded by a different type of event.

The Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence curves showing the time to first event are displayed in Figure 1. The event curves separated early and continued to diverge over the 30 month follow-up period.

Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Cumulative Incidence Curves from Randomization to First Cardiovascular Hospitalization or Death from any Cause

Figure 1 (Multaq 02)

Reasons for hospitalization included major bleeding (1% in both groups), syncope (1% in both groups), and ventricular arrhythmia (<1% in both groups).

The reduction in cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause was generally consistent in all subgroups based on baseline characteristics or medications (ACE inhibitors or ARBs; beta-blockers, digoxin, statins, calcium channel blockers, diuretics) (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Relative Risk (MULTAQ versus placebo) Estimates with 95% Confidence Intervals According to Selected Baseline Characteristics: First Cardiovascular Hospitalization or Death from any Cause.

Figure 2 (Multaq 03)

a Determined from Cox regression model
b P-value of interaction between baseline characteristics and treatment based on Cox regression model
c Calcium antagonists with heart rate lowering effects restricted to diltiazem, verapamil and bepridil

In EURIDIS and ADONIS, a total of 1237 patients in sinus rhythm with a prior episode of AF or AFL were randomized in an outpatient setting and treated with either MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily (n=828) or placebo (n=409) on top of conventional therapies (including oral anticoagulants, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, chronic antiplatelet agents, diuretics, statins, digoxin, and calcium channel blockers). Patients had at least one ECG-documented AF/AFL episode during the 3 months prior to study entry but were in sinus rhythm for at least one hour. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 88 years, with the majority being Caucasian (97%), male (70%) patients. The most common co-morbidities were hypertension (56.8%) and structural heart disease (41.5%), including coronary heart disease (21.8%). Patients were followed for 12 months.

In the pooled data from EURIDIS and ADONIS as well as in the individual trials, dronedarone delayed the time to first recurrence of AF/AFL (primary endpoint), lowering the risk of first AF/AFL recurrence during the 12-month study period by about 25%,with an absolute difference in recurrence rate of about 11% at 12 months.

Patients recently hospitalized with symptomatic heart failure and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (wall motion index ≤1.2) were randomized to either MULTAQ 400 mg twice daily or matching placebo, with a primary composite end point of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure. Patients enrolled in ANDROMEDA were predominantly NYHA Class II (40%) and III (57%), and only 25% had AF at randomization. After enrollment of 627 patients and a median follow-up of 63 days, the trial was terminated because of excess mortality in the dronedarone group. Twenty-five (25) patients in the dronedarone group died versus 12 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 2.13; 95% CI: 1.07 to 4.25). The main reason for death was worsening heart failure. There were also excess hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons in the dronedarone group (71 versus 51 for placebo) [see Boxed Warning and Contraindications (4)].

Patients with permanent AF (AF documented in 2 weeks prior to randomization and at least 6 months prior to randomization in whom cardioversion had failed or was not planned) and additional risk factors for thromboembolism (coronary artery disease, prior stroke or TIA, symptomatic heart failure, LVEF <40%, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, or age >75 with hypertension and diabetes) were randomized to dronedarone 400 mg twice daily or placebo.

After enrollment of 3236 patients (placebo=1617 and dronedarone=1619) and a median follow up of 3.7 months days for placebo and 3.9 for dronedarone, the study was terminated because of a significant increase in

• Mortality: 25 dronedarone vs. 13 placebo (HR, 1.94; CI, 0.99 to 3.79). The majority of deaths in the dronedarone group were classified as arrhythmic/sudden deaths (HR, 3.26; CI: 1.06 to 10.0). Baseline digoxin therapy was reported in 11/13 dronedarone patients who died of arrhythmia. None of the arrhythmic deaths on placebo (4) reported use of digoxin.
• Stroke: 23 dronedarone vs. 10 placebo (HR, 2.32; CI: 1.11 to 4.88). The increased risk of stroke observed with dronedarone was observed in the first two weeks of therapy (10 dronedarone vs. 1 placebo), most of the subjects treated with dronedarone did not have an INR of 2.0 to 3.0.[see Warning and Precaution (5.3)]
• Hospitalizations for heart failure in the dronedarone group: 43 dronedarone vs. 24 placebo (HR, 1.81; CI: 1.10 to 2.99).

MULTAQ 400-mg tablets are provided as white film-coated tablets for oral administration, oblong-shaped, engraved with a double wave marking on one side and "4142" code on the other side in:

Store at 25°C (77°F): excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F), [see USP controlled room temperature].

[See Medication Guide (17.2)]

MULTAQ should be administered with a meal. Warn patients not to take MULTAQ with grapefruit juice.

If a dose is missed, patients should take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time and should not double the dose.

Advise patients to consult a physician if they develop signs or symptoms of heart failure such as acute weight gain, dependent edema, or increasing shortness of breath.

Advise patients to immediately report any symptoms of potential liver injury (such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever, malaise, fatigue, right upper quadrant abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark urine or itching) to their physician.

Advise patients to inform their physician of any history of heart failure, rhythm disturbance other than atrial fibrillation or flutter or predisposing conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia.

MULTAQ may interact with some drugs; therefore, advise patients to report to their doctor the use of any other prescription, non-prescription medication or herbal products, particularly St. John's wort.

Medication Guide
MULTAQ (MUL-tak)
(dronedarone) Tablets

Read this Medication Guide before you start taking MULTAQ and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about MULTAQ?

• 1.MULTAQ is not for people with heart failure with symptoms which recently worsened or for people with severe heart failure. People with these conditions who take MULTAQ have an increased chance of dying. Heart failure means your heart does not pump blood through your body as well as it should.

Do not take MULTAQ if you have symptoms of heart failure which recently worsened or if you have severe heart failure.

Call your doctor right away if you have any signs and symptoms of heart failure:

• shortness of breath or wheezing at rest
• wheezing, chest tightness or coughing up frothy sputum at rest, nighttime or after minor exercise
• trouble sleeping or waking up at night because of breathing problems
• using more pillows to prop yourself up at night so you can breathe more easily
• gaining more than 5 pounds quickly
• increasing swelling of feet or legs
• 2.MULTAQ is not for people with a type of atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) called permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). In permanent AF, your heartbeat stays in atrial fibrillation and will not or cannot be changed back to a normal rhythm. Your doctor will monitor your heart rhythm regularly to make sure your heartbeat keeps a normal rhythm.

Do not take MULTAQ if you have permanent AF.

Call your doctor right away if you notice that your pulse is irregular. This is a sign that you are in atrial fibrillation.

• 3.MULTAQ may cause liver problems, including life-threatening liver failure. Your doctor may order blood tests to check your liver before you start taking MULTAQ and during treatment. In some cases MULTAQ treatment may need to be stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems:
  • loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
  • fever, feeling unwell, unusual tiredness
  • itching
  • yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • unusual darkening of the urine
  • right upper stomach area pain or discomfort

  What is MULTAQ?

  MULTAQ is a prescription medicine used to lower the chance that you would need to go into the hospital for atrial fibrillation. It is meant for people who have had atrial fibrillation in the past but are now in normal rhythm.

  It is not known if MULTAQ is safe and effective in children younger than age 18 years old.

  Who should not take MULTAQ?

  See "What is the most important information I should know about taking MULTAQ?"

  Do not take MULTAQ if:

  • You are in atrial fibrillation and your doctor is not planning to change you back into normal rhythm
  • You have symptoms of heart failure which recently worsened or you have severe heart failure
  • You have severe liver problems or had liver problems after using amiodarone (a medicine for abnormal heart rhythm)
  • You take certain medicines that can change the amount of MULTAQ that gets into your body. Do not use these medicines with MULTAQ:
    • Nefazodone for depression
    • Norvir^® (ritonavir) for HIV infection
    • Nizoral^® (ketoconazole), and Sporanox^® (itraconazole), and Vfend^® (voriconazole) for fungal infections
    • Ketek^® (telithromycin), Biaxin^® (clarithromycin) for bacterial infections
    • Cyclosporine for organ transplant
    • You take certain medicines that can lead to a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm:
      • Some medicines for mental illness called phenothiazines
      • Some medicines for depression called tricyclic antidepressants
      • Some medicines for abnormal heart rhythm or fast heartbeat
      • Some medicines for bacterial infection
      Ask your doctor if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above.
      • You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if MULTAQ will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
        • Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) while taking MULTAQ. Talk to your doctor about the best birth control methods for you.
        • You are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if MULTAQ passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take MULTAQ or breastfeed. You should not do both.

        What should I tell my doctor before starting MULTAQ?

        • If you have any other heart problems
        • Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including any new medicines. Include all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal remedies. MULTAQ and certain other medicines can react with each other, causing serious side effects. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

        Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you take:

        • medicine for high blood pressure, chest pain, or other heart conditions
        • statin medicine to lower blood cholesterol
        • medicine for TB (tuberculosis)
        • medicine for seizures
        • medicine for organ transplant
        • herbal supplement called St. John's wort

        Some of these medicines could keep MULTAQ from working well or make it more likely for you to have side effects.

        How should I take MULTAQ?

        • Take MULTAQ exactly as your doctor tells you.
        • Take MULTAQ two times a day with food, once with your morning meal and once with your evening meal.
        • Do not stop taking MULTAQ even if you are feeling well for a long time. The medicine may be working.
        • If you miss a dose, wait and take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Do not try to make up for a missed dose.

        What should I avoid while taking MULTAQ?

        Do not drink grapefruit juice while you take MULTAQ. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of MULTAQ in your blood and increase the likelihood that you will have a side effect of MULTAQ.

        What are the possible side effects of MULTAQ?

        MULTAQ may cause serious side effects, including:

        • See "What is the most important information I should know about MULTAQ?"
        • Slowed heartbeat (bradycardia)

        The most common side effects of MULTAQ include:

        • Stomach problems such as
          • diarrhea
          • nausea
          • vomiting
          • stomach area (abdominal) pain
          • indigestion
          • feeling tired and weak
          • skin problems such as redness, rash, and itching

          Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of MULTAQ. For more information ask your doctor or pharmacist.

          Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

          How should I store MULTAQ?

          Store MULTAQ at room temperature (59–86°F or 15–30°C).

          Keep MULTAQ and all medicines out of the reach of children.

          General information about MULTAQ

          Medicines are sometimes used for purposes not mentioned in a Medication Guide. Do not use MULTAQ for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give MULTAQ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms or condition. It may harm them.

          This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about MULTAQ. If you would like more information:

          • Talk with your doctor
          • Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about MULTAQ that was written for health-care professionals
          • For the latest information and Medication Guide, visit www.sanofi-aventis.us or call sanofi-aventis Medical Information Services at 1-800-633-1610 option 1. The Medication Guide may have changed since this copy was printed.

          What are the ingredients in MULTAQ?

          Active ingredient: dronedarone

          Inactive ingredients: hypromellose, starch, crospovidone, poloxamer 407, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate polyethylene glycol 6000, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax

          This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
          Issued December 2011

          Manufactured by Sanofi Winthrop Industrie
          1, rue de la Vierge
          33440 Ambares, France

          ©sanofi-aventis, 2011
          All rights reserved.

          MULTAQ is a trademark of sanofi-aventis.

          The brands listed are the registered trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC.

          sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC
          Bridgewater, NJ 08807