DigiFab

DigiFab is used as an antidote to treat a serious overdose of digoxin or digitoxin.

DigiFab is not for treating a mild digitalis overdose.

DigiFab may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

If possible, before you receive DigiFab, inform your doctor if you have heart disease or kidney disease, or if you are allergic to antibiotics, papaya, or pineapple.

If you can, before you get DigiFab, inform your caregivers if you have:

• heart disease;
• kidney disease;
• an allergy to antibiotics; or
• an allergy to papaya extracts (papain, chymopapain) or pineapple.

In an emergency, you might not be able to inform caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ensure that any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby is aware that you received DigiFab.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, skin redness; wheezing, cough, difficult breathing; fast heartbeats, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• fever, swollen glands, itching, joint pain, or not feeling well;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of DigiFab may include:

• heart problems; or
• low potassium.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DigiFab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

Medical tests will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with DigiFab.

Since DigiFab is provided in an emergency by a healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may affect DigiFab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.