Digitek, a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, has been recalled. In this situation, the manufacturer has voluntarily taken steps to remove existing supplies of the drug from pharmacies.  Digitek is a generic equivalent for the drug Lanoxin. The drug is being recalled because some of the tablets may contain a higher dose of the drug than it should.  Tablets with double the normal thickness may contain twice the amount of drug. 

For patients with renal (kidney) failure, the double-strength tablets pose a risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability and slow heart rate. Several reports of illnesses and injuries have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Because Digitek is a trademarked generic equivalent for Lanoxin, whose generic name is digoxin, the name “Digitek” may not appear on the prescription label. Only the name “digoxin” may be listed.  If you are taking Digitek, you should take the following steps:

1. Contact your doctor or health care provider immediately if you have any of the symptoms of digoxin toxicity.
2. Contact your pharmacist as soon as possible to determine if your Digitek or Digoxin prescription is included in the recall.  Your pharmacist will advise you on how to get a new supply of medication.  There are other digoxin products available in pharmacies.

Your pharmacist will be able to answer your questions about your medication.