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Heart Medication Recalled

By United Press International

FDA recalls digoxin heart tablets because they may contain twice the approved dose. Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Heart Medication Recalled

Published: Tue, May 13, 2008 - 8:59 am Last Updated: Tue, May 13, 2008 - 9:10 am

WASHINGTON, April 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of Digitek-brand digoxin heart tablets because of a potential safety risk.

The FDA said Actavis Totowa LLC, formerly known as Amide Pharmaceutical Inc. of Totowa, N.J., reported some tablets may be double the appropriate thickness and contain twice the approved level of active ingredient.

The products are distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. under a "Bertek" label and by UDL Laboratories Inc. under a "UDL" label.

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 and can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability and bradycardia. Death can also result from excessive Digitalis intake.

Customers with questions can call 888-276-6166.

The FDA said any adverse reactions experienced with the use of the product should also be reported to the its MedWatch Program at 800-332-1088.