DigiFab launched in the UK

1137

BTG has announced the launch of DigiFab in the UK through Protherics Medicines Development, a BTG International group company.

DigiFab is indicated for the treatment of patients with known (or strongly suspected) life-threatening digoxin toxicity associated with ventricular arrhythmias or bradyarrhythmias unresponsive to atropine where measures beyond withdrawal of digoxin and correction of serum electrolyte abnormalities are considered necessary.


Digoxin and digoxin toxicity


Digoxin is indicated in the management of chronic cardiac failure where the dominant problem is systolic dysfunction and its therapeutic benefit is greatest in patients with ventricular dilatation.


Digoxin is also indicated where cardiac failure is accompanied by atrial fibrillation and in the management of certain supraventricular arrhythmias, particularly chronic atrial flutter and fibrillation.


Diagnosis of digoxin toxicity may be difficult due to variations in presentation, which may include nausea, vomiting and hypotension as well as additional non-specific symptoms. However, there are certain risk factors which are associated with heightened susceptibility including:

  • Advanced age (>80 years)
  • Decrease in renal clearance or loss of renal function due to chronic disease
  • Hypokalemia
  • Hypomagnesemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Multiple concomitant prescription drugs
  • Concurrent use of macrolide antibiotics
  • Concurrent use of drugs that impair renal function
  • Concurrent use of drugs that cause hypokalemia