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Digitalis

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Digitalis is a drug that is also known by its active ingredient, digitoxin. Made from the leaves of the flower commonly known as foxglove, or digitalis purpurea, digitalis has been used for the past 200 years to treat heart problems. Digitalis strengthens the contractions of the heart muscle, thereby slowing the heart’s beating. It also helps eliminate excess fluid from body tissues.

A Traditional Herbal Remedy

The physician/scientist credited with bringing digitalis into mainstream medicine is William Withering. Foxglove had already been in use as a traditional herbal remedy for “dropsy,” the swelling that often accompanies heart failure. In the 1780s, Withering observed the remarkable effectiveness of digitalis/foxglove in a woman who had dropsy, and he began a rigorous study of the drug.

“An Account of the Foxglove”

Withering eventually published “An Account of the Foxglove and Some of its Medical Uses,” and the use of digitalis for cardiac problems began to spread. Today, digitalis is used throughout the world, and has been part of the treatment of millions of patients. Some physicians have turned to other drugs as a substitute for digitalis, such as dopamine.

Digitalis as Tablets, Capsule or Elixir

Digitalis drugs are prescription-only medications that come in three forms:

• tablet
• liquid-filled capsule
• elixir — this is often used for pediatric (child) patients

The Digitalis Drug Digitek® Recalled

A particular brand of digitalis drug called Digitek® was recalled by its manufacturer in April 2008. The tablet form of Digitek® was accidentally produced with twice the intended amount of digoxin. The recall was labeled “Class I” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning that there is “a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product [Digitek®] will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Digitalis/digoxin/Digitek® overdose can be very serious, even fatal. Symptoms of overdose include hypotension and dizziness, cardiac instability, and vomiting.

If You Have Been Injured by Digitek®

Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Digitek®? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Digitek® attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.