Drug Side Effects

Digitek (generic: digoxin)

On April 25, 2008, Actavis Totowa recalled all lots nationwide of all oral use strengths of Digitek®. Digitek® is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. This total recall is due to the possibility that tablets may contain twice the approved level of active ingredient. These double strength tablets pose a risk of digitalis toxicity. All digitalis compounds, which included Digitek, have a well know major side effect, namely, cardiac arrhythmia, especially in patients with atrial tachycardias (A rapid rhythm of the heart in which the origin of the electrical signal is in the atria or blood collection chamber of the heart.) and atrioventricular block (A block of the heart’s electrical system where the conduction between the atria and ventricles of the heart is affected.).

Digitalis toxicity is the result of the body accumulating more digitalis than it can tolerate at that time. That can be caused by high levels of digitalis in the body, or it can be caused by “normal” levels but decreased tolerance by the body. If kidney function is impaired or reduced, digoxin levels in the blood increase because digoxin is eliminated by the kidneys. Lean, elderly patients are also more susceptible to digitalis toxicity because they often have reduced renal function and their reduced muscle mass increases plasma digoxin levels at a given dose because the muscle acts as a large binding reservoir for digitalis.

Do I Have a Digitek / Digoxin Recall Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has suddenly experienced these symptoms after taking Digitek, contact Bailey & Galyen to discuss your legal rights. You may use the form below or call toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 879-3040 for a free confidential case evaluation.

Ketek (generic: telithromycin)

Ketek is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, pneumonia, and chronic bronchial infections. Ketek has been prescribed to more than six million people in the United States since its FDA approval in 2004.

Side Effects of Ketek

Serious side effects of Ketek were found after reports of liver toxicity in patients was linked to the use of the drug. In addition, Ketek has been found to cause other forms of liver damage including reports of liver failure.

When first submitted to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Ketek, an antibiotic with the generic name telithromycin, was not approved for use in the U.S. The FDA cited toxic effects related to liver damage.  Despite these facts, the FDA reversed its original decision and approved Ketek in 2004 to treat pneumonia, sinusitis and bronchitis. Reports on Ketek’s dangerous side effects, included fatal and life-threatening acute respiratory failure with a rapid onset and progression. After nine Ketek related deaths, the FDA recommended a black box warning, the strongest warning that can be put on any drugs labeling. In December 2006 a panel the advisers to the FDA recommended that Ketek only be prescribed in the future for pneumonia.

Do I Have a Ketek lawsuit?

If you or a loved one was taking Ketek and suffered liver damage, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Please use the form below or call toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 879-3040 to contact Bailey & Galyen to discuss your legal rights.

Chantix (generic name: varenicline)

Chantix is a smoking cessation medication produced by Pfizer that was approved by the FDA in May of 2006. It is a partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist and is designed to partially activate this system while displacing nicotine at its sites of action in the brain.

Chantix Side Effects

In addition to the common side effects of Chantix (constipation, altered dreams, nausea and vomiting) other more severe problems have been linked to the drug. Specifically, Chantix has caused changes in behavior that range from depression, anxiety, aggression and loss of motivation, to aggressively towards and physically harming oneself or someone else.

Do I Have a Chantix Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has aggressively act towards and physically harmed yourself or someone else, contact Bailey & Galyen to discuss your legal rights. To contact us for a free confidential case evaluation, please use the form below or call toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 879-3040.