WARNING: THIS DRUG (Digitek) MAY KILL YOU!!!
I just learned today that a Class #1 recall has been issued on my Digitek heart medication! (Class I Recalls by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are the most severe type of FDA recall. In a Class-I recall there is a potential for serious injury or death!!!).
Do you know how I found out? I got a bill from my mail order pharmacy with my Digitek order marked CANCELED. Before I could place a call to find out why, I actually received an order in the mail. When I opened it I discovered it wasn’t Digitek but had somehow been changed to Digoxin. I was very surprised when I noticed I was NOT being charged for this order. I called the mail order pharmacy and discovered Digitek had been pulled from the market due to a manufacturing error which DOUBLED it’s normal strength! I also found out that knowledge of this was public since April 25th! That’s 11 extra days I’ve been overdosing! Evidently the manufacturing error started sometime in early January! OMG!
I’ve been talking to my wife about the possibility I was developing an ulcer. I’ve been sick to my stomach lately with all the normal results expected from that. If I do manage to keep down a meal, it’s always at a cost. I’ve been fatigued to the point of falling asleep and not being aware it’s happened. I’ve noticed my vision sometimes blurs or even has a yellow tint to it (thought contacts were somehow responsible). Sometimes I see halo’s around images (thought it was related to 60’s experiments 😉 ). Mostly I just felt nauseated. My thoughts continued to focus on a possible ulcer.
Well it wasn’t an ulcer!!! I had/HAVE Digitalis Toxicity!
Digitek is a registered trademark of Actavis Totowa (formerly Amide Pharmaceutical, Inc.) for their digoxin tablets. The drug is distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., under a “Bertek” label and by UDL Laboratories, Inc. under a “UDL” label.
You can read about their recall right here. Comments are welcome!
Brother John's 
Small wonder you been grabbing yo stomach there Bro. Isn’t it swell when you find out after the fact, that seems to be the American Way anymore, huh?
I don’t take that one. I take a number three washtub full of drugs every day, but that one is not on my list.
I got the new index page up, thanks for all the help I appreciate it John.
DS
Comment by Don Smith — May 7, 2008 @ 2:20 pm |
Yeah, I was pretty sick again today, (but not as bad as yesterday). I didn’t take any heart medicine today so I could start decreasing the levels in my system. Tomorrow I’ll be switching to Digoxin which is supposed to be correct and safe to use. Don’t know how long it will take to get this out of my system and start feeling better. At least I didn’t experience the “yellow vision” today. Just nausea, sweating, tiredness, and a pretty barf feeling all over. Hoping tomorrow is a better day!
Comment by Brother John — May 7, 2008 @ 5:33 pm |
I also take this med. My mail order pharmacy contacted me about the recall. Did you contact your doctor about it? My doc sent me for a dig level which probably would have been a good idea for you. Also on the company website is a way to report your symptoms to the FDA – very importnt to do.
Comment by Lori — May 8, 2008 @ 8:27 am |
Sorry to hear you had such a problem – it’s shameful that people taking the drug were not notified asap.
Comment by Author — May 8, 2008 @ 9:21 am |
Lori, My family physician is sending me a script to take over to my local hospital for a level check. Normally I’d have it done at his office but he told me their labs are overloaded at this time. I should receive the script today.
I have the FDA form in hand and will be submitting it with a list of the symptoms I’ve been experiencing.
Thanks for your suggestions and commentary!
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
Comment by Brother John — May 8, 2008 @ 9:38 am |
Author, Thank you for your concern! I am indeed quite puzzled as to why it took so long to get this information out to the general public. When I think of all the “extra” time I’ve been overdosing that could have been prevented… It just doesn’t seem right.
It is a relief to finally understand what’s been happening to me. I just couldn’t understand why I was feeling the way I was. Sick every day. Like going through Chemo, you know?
Hopefully with Don’s help, the word will reach those who may not yet know. (Thank you Don!).
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
Comment by Brother John — May 8, 2008 @ 9:45 am |
No problem, “you gonna show me how to do that? “Don’s help” Kind of neat, you’re certainly taking time to teach and old dawg new tricks huh?
Why don’t you adopt me and get it over with …… I NEED SOME GAS MONEY DAD! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Been a busy and productive week, you see the new pic’s at Author’s site? Pretty cool. Gone Fishing was the best one of the week over at mine. Very popular.
C’mon weekend!
DS
Comment by Don Smith — May 8, 2008 @ 6:18 pm |
Don, I posted the results (as of 05/08/2008 @ 7:45pm GMT-5) our two posts on the Digitek Recall had on my daily stats. Son? You earned your gas money!
Love,
Dad (AKA Brother John, Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA).
P.S. Don is not really my biological son. 🙂
Comment by Brother John — May 8, 2008 @ 6:54 pm |
Hey John,
How are you feeling now? Hope all is improving!
Donna
Comment by Donna — May 8, 2008 @ 7:43 pm |
Hey Donna! Glad to see you are checking in. See? We are still in contact with each other. Good huh?
Yeah, I’m feeling much better. This morning I woke up with absolutely no appetite, but I also was not feeling sick for the first time in a while. That was good. I got hungry mid day and ate some chicken noodle soup and it stayed down well. Later I had a bit of yogurt and it too stayed down. So I guess my toxicity is decreasing. All is good in that arena.
However…
I did miss step at the local bank today. Jarred my artificial hip significantly. That was the first time since my operation. Man that hurt! Ouch! It’s been pretty bad tonight but I’ve been icing it down. Hopefully it will heal quickly. You know I get paranoid when anything happens to that side of my body. The artificial hip is supposed to last another 30 years you know. For sure!
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
Comment by Brother John — May 9, 2008 @ 12:14 am |
Hi John,
Just checking in again. Sorry to hear about your mis-step. You really need to care for that hip. That or Kathy will be cared for by by me, Mike, and a capuchin monkey during your next hospitalization. I doubt your kitties would enjoy Kathy-the-monkey. And Kathy might not either– although if you would meet her, I think you would adore her! How did your last ortho appointment go?
How are you feeling now in relation to the dig toxicity?
Mike and I are resting this weekend. We have been so busy and next weekend will be hectic! We are going to Pimlico to tour the track prior to the Preakness. We get to explore the horse barns, watch the morning workout, talk w/ the jockeys etc etc. Pretty neat.
Over the weekend, we are going to Andrews Air Force Base for a huge regional air show. Should be way cool. We head out to Atlantic City, NJ Aug 19-20 for a second air show. (Mike and I are both really into aviation.)
Today we did make a trip to The Book Thing. A fabulous place– kind of a used book store– BUT ALL THE BOOKS ARE FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We scored big– got lots of great reads. I’m thrilled!
Anyway, that is my update. Off now to do some laundry. Hope all is well with both you and Kathy. Hello to the kitties!
Much Love,
Donna
Comment by Donna — May 10, 2008 @ 4:01 pm |
Check it out.
Train Ride
Click on the link below….
Train Ride
Comment by Donna — May 10, 2008 @ 7:18 pm |
Sorry
try this
http://pixiesplace.com/trainride/
Comment by Donna — May 10, 2008 @ 7:19 pm |
We have just received notification from our drug store. My husband has suffering from the sleepiness, fatique, eyes and very heavy labored in his efforts to move around.
Who do you trust anymore? Have called the hospital to advise of recall on the meds no reply. Troubled wife and patient. How is everyone doing?
Comment by Raymond Kastrup — May 14, 2008 @ 6:16 pm |
Ms. Kastrup, I’m doing very well. It would seem that it doesn’t take too long to get the toxicity out once you do get back on the correct dosage. I’m no longer seeing a yellow tint on things, no more falling asleep in my chair, it’s much easier to get around and I have more pep. But the best of all is no more being nauseous! Now that’s wonderful.
Thanks for stopping by!
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
Comment by Brother John — May 14, 2008 @ 7:23 pm |
Hi Brother John,
I am glad that the Digitek disaster was discovered before you were harmed further. My sister started having the same kinds of symptoms last summer. She had heart failure and had been on digitek for a long time. Unfortunately, she died after being admitted to the hospital with digitalis toxicity. We believe the Digitek was the cause of her problems.
Thank you for using your website to get the word out.
Laura
Comment by Laura — May 19, 2008 @ 2:44 pm |
Laura, Absolutely! When we have the tools to make a difference, it would be immoral to not use them. I also had my good friend Don Smith of Creative Endeavors post information as well. He has a rather large readership.
We have to do good things in this world. Put our positive energy out there!
Thank you so much for visiting, and for taking the time to comment.
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
Comment by Brother John — May 19, 2008 @ 4:05 pm |
I have been reading everything i can about this recall since i learned of it May 3rd. The thing that scares the life out of me is how people are still learning about the recall. I had called my doctor and asked for a Digitek refill on April 28th and it was called in and filled by the pharmacy, this was three days after the recall. I received a letter from the pharmacy May 3rd telling me to discontinue use of the medication…I am one of the lucky ones, my Digitek level was low. My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering the side effects of this disaster and those who have lost loved ones.
By the way my home town is Upper Darby although I haven’t lived there for years, good to see someone from Delaware County!
Comment by June — May 24, 2008 @ 9:24 am |
Hi all: For those of you interested in lawsuits related to the Digitek recall, a law firm is currently investigating incidences of death and serious injury related to double-strength Digitek (generic name digoxin). For more information, please visit: http://www.weitzlux.com/digiteklawsuits_1934353.html
Comment by sdesai — May 27, 2008 @ 9:45 am |
My mother took this pill Digitek from Bertek. She was hospitalized last May 07, with Dig toxicity. She had trouble with her kidneys also and was hospitalize for 8 days, she had cardiac problems, and had to have further testing, was unable to live by herself since then. I have 3 of the pills she was taking, they are not flat like the pill was supposed to be. I wonder how many people out there died from this mistake.
Comment by Lin Burnett — June 1, 2008 @ 8:35 pm |
My husband had a stroke while taking Digoxin. I have some pills left. How do I know if the ones I have are the bad ones?
Comment by Shelly Burnett — July 1, 2008 @ 8:52 pm |
Recalled Digitek tablets cause severe illness, digitalis toxicity, and may result in death. These side effects are serious, dangerous, and life altering. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Digitek recalls contact our law firm today. Our Digitek lawyers will provide you with the legal guidance, support, and help you need to receive compensation for your Digitek (Bertek, UDL, digoxin) injuries.
McEwen Law Firm provides free, no obligation, consultations. If you have any questions about the Digitek recall or would like to go forward with your case please contact us at (800) 732-3070 or use our online contact form.
http://www.digiteklawyerrecall.com/
Or call (800) 732-3070
Comment by Digitek Recall — July 23, 2008 @ 10:10 pm |
You come to hear that so many people are injured by the use of digoxin/digitek. People suffering from the side effects should first get the free digitek/digoxin evaluation done. After that they should file a case depending upon the extent of the injury.
Comment by digoxin lawyers — August 22, 2008 @ 3:21 pm |
This is such a horrible situation. I can’t believe how many people have seriously been sick because of Digitek. If you took the drug, you may want to consider joining a lawsuit against the company to gain compensation for your suffering.
For more information about Digitek, please visit http://www.digitekrecallinformation.com or call 1-866-828-4699.
Comment by Meg F — September 18, 2008 @ 5:16 pm |
it is truly a crime that this recall was handled so poorly. It seems that everyone that was effected learned about the recall in a very round about way.
If you are looking for a lawyer, this is where I found a local one.
http://redstaplerchronicles.com/digitek-lawsuits/
Comment by cashcrateworks — November 5, 2008 @ 11:53 pm |