We are currently offering free case evaluations to anyone who suffered an adverse reaction from Digitek tablets. Due to a manufacturing defect, all lots of Bertek and UDL Laboratories Digitek (digoxin tablets, USP, all strengths) have been recalled by Actavis Totowa as of April 2008.
What is Digitek?
Digitek is a form of digitalis, a chemical derived from the foxglove plant that has been used as a heart medicine since the 18th century. The medication is sold generically as digoxin by several companies.
How Digitek is Used
Specifically, Digitek is prescribed for heart patients with mild to moderate heart failure and patients prone to atrial fibrillation (accelerated heart rate). Digitek has a good history of helping patients by strengthening the contraction of the heart muscle which slows down a patient’s heart rate.
Why Digitek is Being Recalled
The FDA received several reports of illnesses and injuries in a patient taking Digitek. Actavis said it had 11 such reports. But because not all adverse reactions are reported to the FDA or manufacturers, the Digitek injury lawyers at our firm belief that there are far more victims of this defective drug.
Toxic Levels of Digitek
Digitalis toxicity (poisoning) is a condition that results from over ingestion of digitalis. Digitalis poisoning can occur from a single dose or chronic overmedication. People with heart failure are commonly given diuretics (medications used to pull excess fluid from the body) along with digoxin. Many diuretics can cause potassium loss. Low levels of potassium in the body increase the risk of digitalis poisoning. Digitalis poisoning may also result from low levels of magnesium in the body. Reduced kidney function will cause digitalis to accumulate in the body rather than being excreted normally through urine. Therefore, any disorders that disrupt kidney functioning (including dehydration) make digitalis poisoning more likely.
Harmful Side Effects of Digitek Poisoning
A double-strength Digitek tablet poses a serious risk of digitalis poisoning in those patients suffering from renal failure. Digitalis poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, cardiac instability and irregular pulse, heart palpitations, and bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate).
Vision changes such as halos or light ring around objects, seeing lights and bright colors, experiencing changes in color perception, blind spots in vision, and blurred vision can also occur. Patients suffering digitalis poisoning can also experience decreased urine output and excessive nighttime urination, overall swelling, decreased consciousness, and difficulty breathing when lying down. In the most extreme cases, excessive Digitalis consumption can even cause death.
Digitek Resources
Both Actavis and the FDA said retailers who have Digitek tablets in stock should return the product immediately. Consumers with medical questions should contact their health care, providers. Consumers were also told they could obtain more information on the Digitek recall by calling the Stericycle customer service line at 1-888-276-6166, or by visiting the Actavis Website at www.actavis.us.
The FDA has urged anyone suffering from digitalis toxicity after taking Digitek to make a report to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you or someone you love has been injured by the harmful side effects of Digitek and wants more information about your rights, contact the Tennessee Digitek Attorneys at Massey & Associates, P.C. at (423) 396-0720 for a FREE Consultation.
