Digitek, also known as Digoxin, is derived from the leaves of a digitalis plant. Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm.

Digoxin is used to treat congestive heart failure.

Digoxin is also used to treat atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder of the atria (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart).

 FDA Recall of Digitek

The April 2008 nationwide Digitek recall was based on side effects due to a possible double-dosage of the drug’s active ingredient, present in some of the oral Digitek tablets on the U.S. market.

Serious Digitek Side Effects:

• bradycardia (abnormally slow heart beat)

• cardiac instability

• nausea

• dizziness

• low blood pressure (hypotension)

• vomiting

Other Symptoms and Side Effects: 

• abdominal pain

• adverse cardiac effects

• confusion and mental disturbances (e.g., hallucinations, anxiety, delirium, and depression)

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• gynecomastia (enlargement of male breasts)

• hemorrhagic necrosis of the intestines

• intestinal ischemia

• maculopapular rash (a flat, red areas on the skin covered with small bumps, as in measles)

• nausea and vomiting

• thrombocytopenia (low platelet count in the blood, making an increased risk of bleeding)

• visual disturbances (blurred or yellow vision; the appearance of blurred outlines/halos)