Generic name: digoxin immune fab [ di-jox-in-im-myoon-fab ]
Drug class: Antidotes
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (40 mg)
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Digifab
What is Digoxin immune fab?
Digoxin immune FAB is used as an antidote to treat a life-threatening overdose of digoxin or digitoxin.
Digoxin immune FAB is not for treating a mild digitalis overdose.
Digoxin immune FAB may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
If possible, before you receive digoxin immune FAB, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or kidney disease, or if you are allergic to antibiotics, papaya, or pineapple.
How should I use Digoxin immune fab
Digoxin immune FAB 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 digoxin immune FAB.
Before Taking
If possible before you receive digoxin immune FAB, tell your caregivers if you have:
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heart disease;
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kidney disease;
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an allergy to antibiotics; or
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an allergy to papaya extracts (papain, chymopapain) or pineapple.
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received digoxin immune FAB.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since digoxin immune FAB is given in an emergency situation by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while using Digoxin immune fab?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Digoxin immune fab side effects
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:
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fever, swollen glands, itching, joint pain, or not feeling well;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
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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 digoxin immune FAB may include:
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heart problems; or
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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.
See more: Digoxin immune fab Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Digoxin immune fab?
Other drugs may affect digoxin immune FAB, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.