Digoxin for Heart Failure

Tell your doctor all of the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Other medicines can change the amount of digoxin in your blood so that you have too much digoxin. Too much digoxin causes serious symptoms of an overdose, also known as digoxin poisoning.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

For tips on taking medicine for heart failure, see:

Reference Reference Heart Failure: Taking Medicines Properly.

Advice for women

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.

Checkups

You may have Reference regular blood tests to check the level of digoxin in your blood. Your doctor will make sure you are taking a safe amount of digoxin. Your doctor will likely let you know when you need to have the tests. When you start taking digoxin, you initially may need to have frequent blood tests to monitor the level of the medicine. These tests may be done less frequently after you have been taking digoxin for some time.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

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