Digoxin Personal Injury: Digitek & Bertek Lawsuits

New Jersey: Permanent Injunction Actavis Totowa

2008-11-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

On November 13, 2008 Actavis, Inc. announced that the Department of Justice, on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), filed a complaint seeking a permanent injunction against the business of its Actavis Totowa LLC subsidiary.

The company works to address compliance issues stemming from an inspection of the Actavis Totowa facilities by the FDA earlier this year to ensure the integrity of its manufacturing and quality systems.

Actavis views the filing of this complaint as one step in a long regulatory process, and is committed to working with the FDA in a timely manner.

On April 25, 2008, Actavis Totowa LLC initiated a Class 1 nationwide recall of Digitek(R) (digoxin tablets, USP, all strengths) for oral use. The products, manufactured by Actavis, are distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under the "Bertek" label and by UDL Laboratories, Inc. under the "UDL" label.

The recall followed an inspection conducted by the FDA that revealed operations at the Little Falls, N.J., facility which did not meet the FDA's or Actavis' standards for good manufacturing practices. Do you have a Digoxin lawsuit?

On August 1, the company initiated a precautionary, voluntary recall -- to the retail level -- of all drug products manufactured at its Little Falls facility.

A-Fib Drugs Less Effective than New Treatment

2008-11-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

Psst. Don't tell big pharma that...

Patients who live with atrial fibrillation may see brighter days with a new procedure that is proving to be much more effective than riskier A-fib drugs.

According to a study, 75 percent of patients with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation were free of symptoms after receiving a new treatment called catheter ablation. Only 21 percent of those treated with A-Fib drugs were without symptoms.

Results were so convincing the trial was halted early. The ablation group also scored significantly higher on a quality-of-life scale. The study included 159 patients at 19 centers, including 15 centers in the United States. Results were presented at the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.

The study was funded by Biosense Webster, which makes the ThermoCool catheter used in the trial. An additional study called CABANA is designed to determine whether ablation patients live longer than patients receiving medication. Researchers will follow about 3,000 patients for three years.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by Digitek or Digoxin tablets?

Digitek Heart Med: Under the Eye of the Watchdog

2008-10-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

In April 2008, a heart medication called Digitek was recalled by Actavis Towtowa due to a manufacturing defect. The tablets were found to be double their intended thickness. The result of this technical error was that patients were exposed to serious, even fatal amounts of the main ingredient called as digitalis.

Digitalis has been in use for decades for helping to deal with heart problems. It basically strengthens the heartbeat, but digitalis can be fatal if taken in excess. Patients who consumed Digitek, and suffer from renal failure, run the greatest risk of digitalis toxicity. The symptoms include cardiac instability, bradycardia, decreased consciousness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the patient isn't treated immediately, then the toxicity could prove to be fatal. The drug was also found to be unsuitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people with thyroid complaints.

Given the serious implications of this defect, the FDA classified the product recall as a Class 1, meaning that taking the drug could have serious or fatal consequences. The company has taken steps to ensure that physicians and pharmacists do not prescribe the drug any longer and those that still have Digitek in stock have been asked to return it.

But it could already be too late as many patients have already died as a result of taking this heart medication which prompted the US Drug Watchdog to launch a national investigation. Actavis Towtowa currently faces nine federal lawsuits in New Jersey because of the problems with Digitek drug.

Emotional Distress and Product Recalls

2008-10-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Emotional distress in the face of a recall would be difficult to prove.

When it comes to product recalls such as those which are currently occurring with Digitek/Digoxin, a great deal of panic runs through the consumer marketplace. People purchase these products to improve the quality of their life. In some cases, it is these particular products that keep people alive. So, when information regarding a product recall occurs, significant fear may result. Keep in mind these are heart medications so any flaws in their design is extremely scary. When someone discovers that the medicine was flawed, an individual might assume that taking this drug may have actually worsened their condition.

This is why there are a number of lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of these pills. The bulk of these lawsuits involve the physical adverse effects of receiving twice the dosage than what is recommended (this was the main flaw in the drugs) but what about the emotional distress that is inflicted as a result of the panic induced? Can a case be credibly filed for emotional distress?

Honestly, this is a difficult question to answer. Proving instances of direct infliction of emotional distress is not exactly a simple process. However, it has been done in the past and if the case is credible then a positive outcome may be the result. But, in order to do so, a very talented and knowledgeable attorney will be needed. In order to ascertain whether or not you have a sincerely credible case, it is important to sit down with an attorney and discuss the particulars of your case. During this meeting, hopefully the attorney will devise a proper course of action to take. Also, it is important to note that filing a case for emotion distress does not eliminate any claims for filing a lawsuit based on any adverse physical effects which is what most Digitek lawsuits are based upon.

Heart Attacks and Digitek

2008-09-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Digitek causes major heart problems.

Digitek (Digoxin) is an incredibly important prescription as it aids in maintaining heart health. Obviously, the heart is an extremely necessary organ since proper function of the heart is vital to the proper functioning of the body. This is why it is critical that heart medication work properly. If not, the results can be downright catastrophic as improper functioning of the heart can lead to death. This is why when a medication fails actual adverse effects may very well be the result. Such was the case with Digitek (Digoxin), a heart medication that was so dangerous a recall was issued.

The main problem with Digitek (also known as Digoxin) tablets is that the pills were dosed with twice as much medicine as intended. So, when patients took a dose of Digitek they were actually ingesting twice the recommended dosage. Needless to say, the end result of this could prove catastrophic and this is why the FDA pulled the prescription from pharmacy shelves. While this was done with the help of Digitek's manufacturer, this does not leave the manufacturer free of any liability. After all, the error never should have occurred in the first place. Also, proper testing and screening should have been implemented to avoid such a problem from occurring in the first place.

Since negligence is the reason for the flawed product reaching store shelves, the manufacturer might be held liable for any adverse effects that are the result. The liabilities could be even more severe if the manufacturer was actually aware of any present risks. In the case of Digitek, the level of the manufacturer's awareness of the dangers of the product is not known. Regardless, the ability to seek damages is still possible as the prescription never should have reached the public under any circumstances.

September is Atrial Fibrillation month

2008-09-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Over five million Americans suffer from this scary irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation or Afib or AF.

September is Atrial Fibrillation month to raise awareness of this life-threatening irregular heartbeat, commonly called afib or AF.

Once considered benign, this common cardiac arrhythmia can often lead to congestive heart failure or stroke. Every five minutes, someone in the United STates has a stroke caused by atrial fibrillation (AF). Stroke is the #3 killer and the #1 cause of permanent disability.

StopAfib.org, an atrial fibrillation patient resource.

Actavis Totowa in New Jersey extends drug recall

2008-08-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2008 -- Actavis Totowa LLC, a generic drug manufacturer, is announcing a voluntary recall, at the retail level, of all drug products manufactured at its Little Falls, New Jersey facility.
This recall to pharmacies and hospitals only follows an inspection by the Food and Drug Administration made earlier this year where facility operations didn't meet the FDA or Actavis' standards.

The voluntary recall is not prompted by product complaints or health hazards associated with the products, which are all prescription medications. Patients who may have these medicines in their possession should continue to take them because stopping suddenly places patients at risk.
Actavis Totowa, LLC is a United States subsidiary of Actavis Group hf. This voluntary action is limited to most but not all the Actavis Totowa products manufactured in the Little Falls, NJ facility. View a complete list of recalled products.

Digitek (Digoxin, which is manufactured by Actavis and is also being recalled because the active ingredient in some tablets were double dosed causing toxicity) is not part of this latest recall but has its own recall.

Please refer to the FAQs for additional information.

Digoxin Personal Injury - Digoxin - Digitex

2008-08-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Trepidation on digoxin personal injury risks was justified as Actavis Totowa initiated a class 1 nationwide recall of digoxin tablets manufactured by them under the brand name Digitex.

Some News Related To Digoxin Personal Injury
Digoxin is medication used for the treatment of heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm conditions like atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Digoxin is usually taken orally but can be also be administered by IV injection in urgent cases. The most common trade names of digoxin preparations are Digitex, Lanoxin, and Lanoxicaps. Digitex, manufactured by Actavis Totowa is in the news recently for reported case of adverse side effects.

Even though Digoxin is considered an effective drug for the treatment of heart problems, the medication has been in limelight in the past for all the wrong reasons. The following are some instances of Digoxin personal injury.

Undue fear of digoxin personal injury is probably unwarranted. The above incidents only highlight the effects of overdose of Digoxin on humans and not when the medication is used under proper medical supervision.

Digitek Toxicity Lawsuits

2008-07-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

A Morristown, New Jersey drug maker is being sued because of the alleged dangerous and defective heart drug, Digitek.

Actavis Totowa and its parent company Actavis Group are the target of at least nine federal lawsuits where one person died. Also named in the lawsuits are Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc and UDL Laboratories, Inc.

Some of the tablets may have been double dosed containing twice the active ingredient of digitalis which poses a risk of serious to fatal toxicity.

The number of Digitek lawsuits is expected to grow. If you or a loved one has been affected by the double dose Digitek recall and you live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, please contact Monheit Law or Anapol Schwartz, personal injury law firms for a no-cost-to-you legal consultation.

Digoxin Personal Injury - Digoxin - Personal Injury

2008-07-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

As per the different statutes in the different states, you can be entitled to compensation for Digoxin personal injury. You can file a lawsuit if your doctor is found negligent while prescribing the dose to you.

Digoxin Personal Injury - When Are You Entitled For Compensation

Digoxin has been reported to have some serious side effects that include drowsiness, and so those who experience Digoxin personal injury may have a lawsuit in hand. They are legally entitled for compensation. Digoxin is prescribed for the treatment of Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and other heart diseases.

These drugs are available in two brands, Lanoxicaps and Lanoxin. The major side effects of Digoxin are caused by the wrong dose of this drug. Therefore, if you start experiencing some adverse reactions because of the intake of these drugs, you are recommended to contact your health care professional immediately. In a usual case, the doctor would change the dose and once you start taking the correct dose, it is most likely that you will not experience the side effects any longer.

Some of the serious side effects of this drug that may also result in Digoxin personal injury include slow heart rate or irregular heartbeat. Muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, confusion, headache, and drowsiness are other major side effects. The use of these drugs may also result in vision problems, such as color changes, blurring, flickering of light, and other such things. Besides that, some patients have also reported to experience adverse reactions like vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite.

It is very important for you to follow the instructions of your doctor. For example, if your doctor recommends that you should not drive a car or operate any machine after taking this medicine, you should follow his advice. Digoxin personal injury may also be caused because you are not following the doctor’s advice. In that case, you may still go for a lawsuit, but you will probably lose the case.

Digitek Pills - Digoxin & Bertek lawsuits - Digitek

2008-07-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Digitek or Digoxin tablets which are the subject of Digoxin & Bertek lawsuits are used for treating congestive heart failure and other heart problems.

Digoxin & Bertek Lawsuits - A Toxic Issue

Actavis Totowa, a New Jersey based division of the international pharmaceutical giant Actavis, manufactures and markets the Digitek pills. Mylan Bertek distributes these pills. A nationwide recall was set in motion because the recently produced tablets were twice the thickness they were meant to be, making it a double dose.

The USFDA issued a press release to the effect, details of which can be found here: Digitek or Digoxin tablets which are the subject of Digoxin & Bertek lawsuits are used for treating congestive heart failure and other heart problems. These tablets help to improve blood circulation, making the heart stronger and more efficient. The defective double strength pill has led to many injuries. As a result, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Actavis Totowa LLC, Mylan Bertek Pharmaceuticals and UDL Laboratories Inc. have been the target of several Digoxin & Bertek lawsuits.

When patients with renal failure take the Digoxin tablet, they suffer toxicity and this leads to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, and bradycardia. The latest statistics reveal that the FDA and Actavis have received a number of complaints about such side effects of Digoxin. The double dose of the active ingredient in the Digoxin pill has been a problem that goes as far back as March 2006! Several patients who have been using the medication have been suffering the side effects for the last two years.

Therefore, those filing for compensation would do well to understand what kind of compensation to expect because of the sketchy timeframes.

Digitek - Atrial Fibrillation - Atrial Flutter

2008-07-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Digitek is prescribed for treating heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. In recent years its effectiveness has come under question. Many studies have shown that digoxin increases the death rate in women.

Digitek Recall- Some Questions About Its Effectiveness
Digitek is a drug that is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. This medication also goes by the name of Digoxin. Digoxin is chemically derived from the foxglove plant. This plant has been used for centuries to treat heart related ailments. The drug is usually administered orally but in emergency situations it is often given by IV injection.

In Question
Over the years the effectiveness of Digitek has come under question. Today, it is no longer the first choice for treating congestive heart failure. Studies have shown that digoxin has been ineffective in decreasing the mortality rate in congestive heart failure. Today, doctors usually prescribe the medication for treating atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response.

Women At Higher Risk
Studies have also been conducted to see whether women and men react differently to Digitek. One such study was done at Yale University by Dr. Harlan Krumholz. The study showed that the death rate of women who took digoxin was 33%. This has turned out to be higher than the death rate amongst women who took a dummy pill (29%). The study came with a startling conclusion that the drug increased the risk of death in women by 23%.

Still another study has shown that women are at higher risk of digoxin intoxication than men. Moreover, higher dose of Digitek is also associated with serious side effects. In fact, the recent recall by Actavis Totowa was issued because tablets with double appropriate thickness were feared to have been released in the market. Digitalis toxicity can cause vomiting, dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, bradycardia, cardiac instability, and confusion. High dose of this drug is especially harmful for patients of renal failure. Several cases of injuries and illness have been reported and the company is facing several lawsuits.

Digitek Drugs - Digitek & Bertek Lawsuits - Digoxin Tablets

2008-07-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

If you have been using the Digitek drugs, you must be already aware of the various Digitek & Bertek lawsuits that has taken place in the last few years because of the increase in reports of adverse reactions caused by the use of these
drugs.

Digitek & Bertek Lawsuits
Because of the several reports of severe adverse reactions as a result of the use of Digitek
drugs, it is very important for the people, including veterinarians, doctors, and patients to
be aware of the various instances of Digitek & Bertek lawsuits. This will help them to figure
out the precautionary steps that they need to take in order to prevent any adverse situation.

The right dose of the tablets is important, as wrong doses (high doses in particular) may
result in severe side effects. The Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 allows
veterinarians to prescribe these kinds of drugs only under specific conditions. Moreover, they
must explain everything about the possible side effects to the customers, so that Digitek &
Bertek lawsuits could be avoided.

Digitek refers to the Digoxin tablets that are used for the treatment of various heart conditions, such as atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, abnormal heart rhythm and other such heart diseases.
These drugs have also been found to be very effective in case of heart failure. Digitek drugs are used when other medications fail to control heart disease. These medications can be used for both humans and animals.

However, Digitek drugs have also been found to result in various serious adverse reactions.
Some of these side effects include cardiac instability, low blood pressure, slow heartbeats,
blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and several other such things. The increased
risk of Digitek toxicity because of manufacturing defects has resulted in various Digitek &
Bertek lawsuits followed by the recall of Digitek drugs from market.

Digitek & Bertek Lawsuits - Digitek Recall - Digoxin Tablet

2008-07-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

The fact that digoxin is considered as Narrow Therapeutic Index drug can have a lot of bearing on the Digitek & Bertek lawsuits.

Helpful Information On Digitek & Bertek Lawsuits
The following information can prove helpful in Digitex & Bertek lawsuits.

Digitek
Digitek (digoxin tablet) is used for the treatment of certain heart ailments such as congestive heart failure.

Digitek Recall
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted an important notice in April 2008 on the recall of the drug Digitek by Actavis Totowa LLC. This is a class I nationwide recall of Digitek (generic name digoxin) for oral use. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. distributes the product, under the label “Bertek” and UDL Laboratories Inc, under the label “UDL”. The reason cited by the drug company for recall is that there was possibility that tablets with double the appropriate thickness may have been commercially released. These tablets may contain twice the amount of active ingredient than is recommended by doctors. Overdose of Digitek poses the risk of causing severe side effects related to digitalis toxicity. This is a critical aspect of Digitek & Bertek lawsuits.

Over Dosage And NTI
FDA has identified some drugs as having a Narrow Therapeutic Index. With NTI drugs, small changes in dosage can cause significant toxic results. Patients taking NTI drugs need constant monitoring by doctors to ensure correct dosage for safe results. Wellmarks drug list, which provides names of drugs, covered under NTI drugs includes Digitek. Wellmarks clearly documents the clinical limitations of Digitek. This information can benefit the outcome of the Digitek & Bertek lawsuits.

Digoxin - Digitek - Digitek Personal Injury Lawsuits

2008-07-04T07:18:00.001-07:00

Ambiguity clouds the Digoxin double dose saga. Patients are scared after the life threatening risks they have been through and Digoxin personal injury lawyers have been busy fighting for damages as well as claims for medical expenses from Actavis.

Can Digoxin Personal Injury Lawyers Win Compensation From Actavis

Ambiguity clouds the Digoxin double dose saga. Patients are scared after the life threatening risks they have been through and Digitek personal injury lawyers have been busy fighting for damages as well as claims for medical expenses from Actavis. In April 2008, a Digitek class action suit was filed in a New Jersey district court against Actavis. Actavis immediately issued a recall of Digitek (generic version of Digoxin) when they discovered that some of their batches had twice the amount of active ingredient that they were suppose to contain. The lawsuit includes Mylan Pharmaceuticals and UDL Laboratories, distributors of the drug.

From the 18th century, Digitek, a chemical sourced from the foxglove plant has been used in cardiac medicine. When Actavis recalled Digitek from the market, the FDA deemed it as a Class I recall, which means the double dose of Digitek could result in serious toxicity in patients and even death. The annoying thing in the whole affair was the lack of information. There was no information on how many defective batches of Digitek were out there in the market, being used by innocent users.

The FDA issued a warning to Actavis in August 2006, as they had not conducted periodic safety checks at their New Jersey manufacturing plant. It is believed by Digoxin personal injury lawyers that the defective batches originated from this plant. As if this were not enough, the FDA inspection back in 2006 found six unreported serious adverse events related to Digitek.

Digitek personal injury lawsuits include plaintiffs who have suffered adverse cardiac symptoms and dizziness, including renal damage as a result of the defective drug.

Digoxin Recall - Digoxin - Digoxin Toxicity

2008-06-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Digoxin recall was not issued on television or newspapers. That is why many people did not find out about it on time. Digoxin toxicity can cause serious injuries and illness and that is reason why this lapse by the company is considered a serious issue.

Digoxin Recall- Issue Of Concern

In April 2008, Actavis Totowa issued a Digoxin recall after it was found that some batches of the medicine might contain tablets that are twice the normal thickness and strength. Digoxin is the generic name for Digitek, a medication which is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.

Not Done Properly
Many people are angry with this Digoxin recall because they did not find out about it on time. Many people are reporting that they found out about it after their pharmacist called them up when they requested for a refill. In many of the cases this was several weeks after the actual Digitek recall was issued. The company did not issue the notification on television, newspaper or any other media. Instead they sent a notification to doctors, hospitals and pharmacists.

Symptoms Of Toxicity
This issue is serious because Digoxin toxicity can lead to serious complications and an overdose can prove to be fatal. Digoxin toxicity can cause headaches, hallucinations, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and irregular heart beats. The problem with Digoxin is that even a slightly higher level of dose can have serious consequences. Moreover, Digoxin toxicity can also be brought on by several factors in your body:
• Kidney disease
• Low blood oxygen level
• If you are on diuretics
• Hypothyroidism
• High blood pH

Another problem with Digoxin is that it has a relatively long biological half-life. Biological half-time refers to the time the drug would take in your body to lose half of its effect. So an overdose of Digoxin can have serious consequences. Moreover, chronic Digoxin toxicity is hard to diagnose, as the symptoms are not always clearly visible. Only a blood test can detect the toxicity. With such serious health concerns, it is a very important issue that the Digoxin recall should have been issued appropriately so that everyone could have found out about it on time.

Lanoxin Digoxin

2008-05-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Lanoxin digoxin is a generic prescription drug in tablet form that comes in .125 mg, .25 mg, and .5 mg; and in capsules .05 mg, .1 mg, .2 mg.

Digoxin is used for people in heart failure and to slow heartbeat for people who have abnormal atrial fibrillation and flutter.

Digoxin is extracted from the leaves of a plant called digitalis lanata.

Digoxin may be taken with or without food. Digoxin is mainly excreted by the kidneys, and dosages need to be reduced in patients with kidney dysfunction. Digoxin blood levels can be used to monitor dosing and to avoid drug toxicity.

There is little cushion between a beneficial level of digoxin and a toxic level of digoxin. Digoxin toxicity can cause potentially life- threatening heart rhythm disturbances.

Patients with low blood potassium levels can develop digoxin toxicity even when digoxin levels are not considered elevated. Similarly, high calcium and low magnesium blood levels can increase digoxin toxicity and produce serious heart rhythm disturbances.

The most common side effects are related to digoxin toxicity and heart rhythm disturbances. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, breast enlargement, blurred vision, rash, and mental changes.

Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/digoxin/article.htm

Digoxin Heart Medicine Primer

2008-05-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

Digoxin is used to treat heart failure to improve the heart's ability to pump blood. Digoxin also helps people who have a rapid or irregular heartbeat caused by atrial fibrillation. Digoxin helps the heart slow down the heart rate. It may take several weeks to several months for digoxin to start working; most likely you won’t feel better right away. Some people are on a lifelong regiment of digoxin.

Doctors recommend that you take digoxin the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it if no more than 12 hours have passed from the time you should have taken it. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip that dose. Don't double up on digoxin doses. Don't suddenly stop taking your digoxin, because this could make your heart problems worse.

Some medicines and foods can decrease the amount of digoxin your body absorbs. Pay attention to the following: antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, bulk laxatives like Metamucil, anti diarrhea meds containing kaolin and pectin, Reglan, Azulfidine, bran muffins, and Ensure.

Taking these medicines or eating high-fiber foods too close to the time you take your digoxin may mean that you'll have too little digoxin in your bloodstream to help your heart. Take digoxin on an empty stomach. Check with your doctor before taking any of the medicines listed above.

Digoxin interacts with many other drugs too. You should always tell your doctor and your pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including any over-the-counter drugs, natural remedies, and herbal supplements. Always talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines.

Source: Family Doctor.org

Digitek Digoxin Recall

2008-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

New Jersey -- April 25, 2008 -- Actavis Totowa LLC, a United States manufacturing division of the international generic pharmaceutical company Actavis Group, is initiating a Class I nationwide recall of Digitek® (digoxin tablets, USP, all strengths) for oral use. The products are distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The voluntary all lot recall is due to the possibility that tablets with double the appropriate thickness may have been commercially released. These tablets may contain twice the approved level of active ingredient than it appropriate.

Digitek® is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The existence of double strength tablets poses a risk of digitalis toxicity in patients with renal failure. Digitalis toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability and bradycardia. Death can also result from excessive Digitalis intake. Several reports of illnesses and injuries have been received.

Actavis manufactures the products for Mylan and the products are distributed by Mylan and UDL under the Bertek and UDL labels. Bertek and UDL are affiliates of Mylan.
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

If you or a loved one has been adversely harmed by taking a bad batch of Digitek, please contact Anapol Schwartz, personal injury and wrongful death lawyers located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill New Jersey. Find out if you or your family qualifies for a lawsuit or class action Digitek lawsuit.

All about Digoxin

2008-05-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

This site provides some good information about digoxin prior a few years prior to the 2008 Digitek recall.

Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Digoxin comes as an oral tablet and capsule, or pediatric liquid that requires a dropper.

Different brands of digoxin have different amounts of active drug and your dose would need to be changed. (Currently the brand Digitek is being recalled.)
Digoxin helps control your heart condition but will not cure it. Do not stop taking digoxin without talking to your doctor.

Digoxin may cause side effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, vision changes, rash, and irregular heartbeat. More immediate and cause-for-alarm digoxin side effects include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, swelling of the feet or hands, unusual weight gain, and difficulty breathing.

Can everyone take digoxin? Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are allergic to any drugs; what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, antibiotics, calcium, corticosteroids, diuretics, other medications for heart disease, thyroid medications, and vitamins. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had thyroid problems, heart arrhythmias, cancer, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking digoxin, call your doctor. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, alert them about taking digoxin.

More recommendation include what kind of diet to eat when taking digoxin; how to take missed doses; other uses for digoxin; how to store digoxin; and what else to know and let the doctor know when taking digoxin.

Hiring a Digitek Digoxin Recall Lawyer

2008-05-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Retaining a Digitek Digoxin Recall Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer can be a traumatic experience but it’s especially traumatic when you or your family has been harmed by unsafe drugs prescribed by your doctor.

The heart drug Digitek digoxin tablets were recalled April 25, 2008 because they were double dosed with the active ingredient. People taking the double dosed drugs experienced toxicity and serious side and deadly side effects.

How can this happen? The tablets were manufactured in New Jersey not China. Is there no quality control? Also some patients were not told in a timely manner and continued to take the tainted digoxin tablets beyond the recall.

There are some points to consider when hiring a Digitek digoxin lawyer. Do some research to determine what kind of verdicts and settlements they have with similar unsafe drug lawsuits.

Of course, money is always an issue. Find out how much they charge per hour and what your out-of-pocket expense will be. The Philadelphia law firm of Anapol Schwartz will take your Digitek digoxin case on a contingency basis which means if they don’t win your digoxin lawsuit – they don’t get paid.

They don’t every digoxin case but you don’t know whether or not you qualify until you answer some questions. Of course, there is never an obligation to proceed. The exchange must be a mutual agreement.

Find out if you qualify and ask them the hard questions about lawsuits. Anapol Schwartz has over 30 years experience fighting for what’s right, fighting for people like you and your family.

Misuse of Heart Drug Digoxin

2008-05-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

Instead of using digoxin to treat atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and congestive failure, it has been used off label to miscarry a baby. Abortion clinics are using digoxin to kill the baby inside the womb and then cause the mother to miscarry the dead baby.

Digoxin is administered with a long needle inserted into the abdomen. Digoxin has normal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Digoxin can also cause premature delivery and risk of infection.

Researchers at Yale University also studied the use of the drug and were surprised that women in the study who took digoxin died more frequently than women who took a dummy pill. Researchers concluded that digoxin increased the risk of death in women by 23 percent.

Abortion centers have been giving women digoxin for years for abortions performed at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy. Now women will get the heart drug as much as six weeks earlier so legal second-trimester abortions can be done.

Certain aspects of abortion procedures are variable in ways that doctors cannot control, so doctors may feel compelled to cause fetal demise in order to avoid any appearance or suggestion.
The FDA approved digoxin in 1982 but abortion practitioners have been using it then for abortions.

PRODUCT RECALL - Digitek

2008-05-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Digitek was subject to a nationwide recall on April 25, 2008. The recall applied to all oral strength tablets of Digitek. The recall was due to Digitek tablets containing twice the approved level of active ingredient.

As a result of double-strength tablets, patients were exposed to a risk of Digalis Toxicity.
Digitalis Toxicity can cause a number of ailments, including severe cardiac impairment and death.

Irregular Heartbeat Affects Women Taking Osteoporosis Drug

2008-04-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Medical News Today, Tue, 29 Apr 2008 4:07 AM PDT Chronically irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) affected women who had taken Merck's bisphosphonate drug Fosamax (alendronate) to combat the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis nearly twice as often as women who had never used it according to new research from the US.

Heart problems can also be caused by Digitek. Actavis Totowa LLC (formerly known as Amide Pharmaceutical Inc.) makes Digitek. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. distributes Digitek under the “Bertek” and “UDL” labels. Actavis Totowa LLC is based in Morristown, New Jersey. Mylan has its corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Prison inmate dies of MRSA

2008-04-21T11:14:00.001-07:00

A 42-year-old woman who tried to steal a $9 sandwich from the grocery store died in the Pinellas County Jail from pneumonia brought on by a MRSA infection.

She died less than two weeks after she had been booked into the jail and had no pre-existing health problems. The autopsy was inconclusive as to if she contracted the infection at the jail or was already infected at the time of her booking.

According to reports, jail records indicate that in 2007, 21 inmates at the jail tested positive for MRSA

Her family was told that the infection had done irreversible damage to the woman’s arms and legs, turning them black due to loss of circulation. Family members say that doctors at first recommended amputating her arms and legs but later reportedly told them she would probably die even with the surgery. The family decided against the surgery and was planning to take her off life support when she died.

The family claims that she had repeatedly asked for medical help before being transferred but got what they say was inadequate care and was given only one Motrin and one Sudafed although her fever of 101.5 raged for five days. Upon being transported to the Largo Medical Center with chest pain and difficulty breathing, she lapsed into a coma.The sheriff’s department has launched an internal investigation into the matter.

Source: http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2008/04/15/pinellas_mrsa_death/

Related Topics:
(1) http://pamedicalmalpractice.blogspot.com/
(2) http://groupbstrep.blogspot.com/
(3) http://meningitislawsuits.blogspot.com/

Realizing ROI on Safety Measures

2008-04-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Most businesses won’t invest money in something unless there’s a guaranteed ROI or return on investment.

So, let’s talk about the ROI on safety training and the prevention of workplace injuries. Aside from the moral and human factors, why should companies be concerned with safety?
Quite simply because they can save money.

In an article in the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin in New York, an insurance broker says that for every dollar businesses spend on safety training, they realize a $2 to $4 return on investment.

Every injury that occurs results in higher costs as general liability, automobile and workers’ compensation rates (which are based in part on a company’s safety track record) increase.

Verdicts and Settlements in PA

2008-03-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia law firm of Anapol Schwartz has achieved many verdicts and settlements in its representation of clients. The areas of practice include a wide variety of personal injury matters, such as claims for spinal cord injury, brain injury, burns, and wrongful death. Anapol Schwartz also represents clients in personal injury matters, such as, construction accidents, firearm accidents, automobile/trucking accidents, and slip and falls.

This blog will cover many of the above topics with informative articles and commentary on current news stories