Tag: Dronedarone

Although amiodarone is a highly effective antiarrhythmic drug for managing heart rhythm disorders, it carries a significant risk of severe side effects affecting multiple organs. The quest for a safer alternative to amiodarone is critical for many patients who cannot tolerate its long-term toxicity or who have specific comorbidities.

First approved by the FDA in July 2009, the brand-name drug Multaq, or dronedarone, was developed and is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi. However, with the approval of a generic equivalent in early 2024, other manufacturers have also entered the market, expanding the availability of this medication. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the manufacturers behind Multaq and its generic counterparts.

Approximately 20-30% of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation on amiodarone will stop the medication within a year due to its significant extracardiac toxicity. Fortunately, several effective treatment options can serve as an alternative to amiodarone for managing serious heart rhythm disturbances.