lanoxin

[Birky]

In another post someone mentioned blood tests since they are taking lanoxin. I know they did this in the hospital but am I supposed to be having this done now after the surgery. If so, I guess someone is not following up. Can it become toxic or something. Any answers, please let me know. Thanks,

 

[Perrster]

Answer maybe?

Answer maybe?

Hey der Birky,

I was on Digoxin (Lanoxin) immediately after surgery and for about 3 years total. I finally asked my cardio if I could come off of it, as I take so many other meds that do about the same thing as Digoxin. It is supposed to help strengthen the heart muscles, I believe and does have some side-affects on the liver. I had my Coumadin nurse check for it about two times or once a year.

I got off of it this year and haven't noticed anything different.

Regards,

 

[Nancy]

Hi Birky-

Yes, Lanoxin can get to toxic levels. Joe has been there from time to time. He has afib which is chronic and he cannot take most of the meds that are prescribed for that problem, so his Lanoxin is very necessary. They keep at a certain level which is probably less than what he actually needs, because his card. doesn't want him to get over the limit for him. Because of the afib, his heart rate is higher than most people. It runs about 100-110. I've tried to get his card. to up the dose, but they tested him, and it cannot go any higher.

He isn't tested all the time, but has been from time to time.

It's a very good drug and has been around for many, many years.

 

[Mara]

Birky
Nancy and Perry have it. Lanoxin is a digitalis drug and can be toxic, even fatal in high doses. The dose you take for medicine is not that high, but it does build up in the system to an extent.

The level should be checked about every 6 months. That's what they did with me when I was on it for 4 years before my surgery.

Lanoxin is supposed to improve the efficiency of the heart muscle to contract, thus giving a stronger beat, I think it also helps lower blood pressure as a secondary effect.

Digitalis, comes from the foxglove plant. It has been used for centuries, but can be toxic.

Just ask your GP or family doc to order a lab test and then have him or her send it to your cardio. Really, your cardio should be checking. Just call and ask.

As I recall, the overdose symtoms are like seeing a yellow halo around lights and something else.

-mara

 

[Nancy]

Hi Mara-

Joe was nauseous, low appetite.

 

[Mara]

Hi Nancy

I never felt ill on it, but I think I do remember hearing that nausea was a side effect. Anyway, I think it helped me stave off the surgery for a while.

Hope Joe is doing better with the shingles.

-Mara

 

[Missy]

Birky and Nancy also

Birky and Nancy also

Birky, you should be having digoxin level tests done every once in a while. I have been on lanoxin since '96 for chronic atrial fibrillation. I took amiodarone for awhile but couldn't tolerate it. Have had some trouble with lanoxin also. I do have to have blood tests done to check my digoxin level. After so many years I have it down pretty pat about dosage and when I need a test. Green halos, nausea, headache, dizziness are just a few of the symptoms. I also get a headache nausea and dizzy and heart rate is high if I start getting low. I take mine in a split dose as I cannot tolerate a full dose. My heart rate goes way down and blood pressure gets extremely low if I get too much. I am not at a therapeutic level because of this. I stay on the low side.
Nancy, does Joe stay low for these reasons or some other?

 

[Nancy]

Well, let's just say that Joe's level doesn't completely control his rapid heart rate, but he is at the limit according to his test results.

 

[Gnusgal]

You know, I have been on lanoxin since I was 7 years old. And I can only remember one time that my digoxin level was checked. I think I was 14 and I have no idea what I might have been complaining about. But my card had my blood checked and doubled my dose. My dose has changed a couple of times since then, but I'm on so many medications I have no idea what this particular drug is doing for me. All I know is that it "improves heart function." I'm currently taking one and a half tabs of the .125 mg tabs. I know at one time I was at .25 mg. Maybe my digoxin levels were being tested and I just didn't realize it...

 

[Birky]

lanoxin

Thanks for your input. I see him in October so I guess I can wait until then to discuss with him. I am having no symtoms as of yet. Hopefully I won't. I did ask a couple of weeks ago if I could go off the lanoxin and Cardizem. The answer was no since I had problems after surgery.