Are digoxin levels monitored regularly?

[JudyMarieC]

Does anyone who is on digoxin have their blood levels of this drug monitored on a regular basis? I started on digoxin in July and, when I've asked about blood tests, I'm given a different answer depending on who I ask.

[CDreamer]

Interesting question - I’ve never taken Digoxin so be interested in replies from those who take it. I think the only person to ask that of is the doctor who prescribed it and also how often and if not why not.

Opinion may come into this as much as normal protocol as some doctors seem to test more than others.

I’ve just been tested for a gene which may indicate I can’t take a particular drug which my specialist would like to switch me to. I don’t know anyone else who has been tested prior to starting this drug 🤷‍♀️

[JudyMarieC in reply to CDreamer]

Yes, I agree that opinions do come into this, even within the same office, believe it or not. My EPs nurse practitioner and my EP both gave me different answers about monitoring. The nurse practitioner said they only monitor it if it's given for CHF and the EP later said the either he or the cardiologist would monitor it. I later checked online and he did not order any future blood work so I'll have to contact him again. Frustrating!

[Geonome]

Yes, I'm on 0.0625 mg of digoxin daily. My GP wants me to have my digoxin level tested approximately every 6 months. My level shows as 'sub-therapeutic', which my GP is not happy with, but the electrocardiologist is happy. He states that as long as I have 'some on board' it will do what it's supposed to. (which for me, is to protect my ventricular function, as I am also on flecainide).

I can't increase my digoxin dose, even if I wanted to, due to increased side effects.

[JudyMarieC in reply to Geonome]

Interesting - thank you for your response.

[BWS_Boyo]

A very interesting question for me as I’ve been on it since Jan 2020 when I went to a Cardio privately as UK NHS couldn’t react for months. He’d had me ultrasounded (is that a word 🤓) and prescribed 125 mcg Digoxin, 20 mg Rivaroxaban and 2.5 mg Bisoprolol which I’ve taken daily since and have yet to be reviewed! COVID got in the way, of course, and I THINK I’ve now been referred for a review but WHEN is another matter. Sorry to sound cynical but GP-driven services can be highly varied, something about people and over-work I’m told! On a more positive note, I’m doing reasonably well with these meds but have co-morbidities that complicate life in general.

[JudyMarieC in reply to BWS_Boyo]

I'm on the same dose of digoxin and also take Rivaroxaban but Metoprolol as opposed to Bisoprolol. Yes, services can be highly varied. I'm finding this not only with GPs but the specialists as well.

[cicek]

I've been on Digoxin for about 4 months now and had to have a blood test after 2 weeks (which turned in 4 trying to get an appointment). Not heard anything else regarding regular blood tests so will be interested to see anyone else's response to this question.

[Niamh15 in reply to cicek]

I have been on digoxin since august 2020 and had one blood test Dec2020

[JudyMarieC in reply to cicek]

It's been 6 months for me and I've had one blood test in early November which showed normal levels. The only reason I had the test was because I questioned my cardiologist about it and he order the blood work.

[Adasian]

I have been on Digoxin for more than 2 years. I wondered myself why I was put on it. I am on 0.0625mg. This was just reduced. I have permanent AFIB but don’t feel it as I take 2.5mg bisopoprolol and Xeralto 20mg also take with Digoxin. Whenever I do a blood test annually it shows my level below required levels (or similar words) My father died from heart issues so I was told digoxin was a precaution.

[JudyMarieC in reply to Adasian]

I also have permanent afib and I'm on Xarelto, metoprolol and the digoxin. I don't feel the afib anymore so I'm thinking the digoxin helps with that. Thank you for your reply.

[excel1234]

Yes, my Husband has - 250mcg -, for quite a few years (can't remember when his last blood test was) although he recently received 2 letters from the Surgery's stroke clinic to ask him to book a blood test prior to a virtual assessment. He was taking 125mcg but was still quite poorly and he was prescribed Bisoprolol which he really can't tolerate so the Doc doubled his Digoxin. That was quite a few months ago. He sleeps 90% of the day either in bed or on his chair, is giddy and shakey, can hardly walk so now doesn't go out. He was a very active man up untill a few months ago. I know he is now 91 but really looks mid 70's and always acted that way. So, is it Digoxin or whatever making him like this. He refuses to let me speak to anyone. I can't win.

[JudyMarieC in reply to excel1234]

I take .125 mg of digoxin daily. Since I've been on it, I've noticed that I'm more tired and short of breath. At my next appointment with my EP, I plan to ask him if we can try to decrease the dose. It could be what's causing your husband's fatigue.

[Adasian]

At first when my Digoxin was reduced to half I did feel slight chest pains. My heart specialist said if I lowered the digoxin he would have to up the bisoprolol but I didn’t want that as it can make you tired as it does slow you down. Many people on this blog have said that. Everyone is different so it is worth speaking to your doctor and seeing if an alternative would work better for your husband rather than Digoxin or bisoprolol. You may need to call his doctor yourself. Better than the alternative.

[etheral]

I was on Digoxin for years and had my level checked every 6 months. I believe this is routine in the states.

[excel1234]

I am thinking of doing that, thank you all. Take care and a safe and happy Christmas!

[MummyLuv]

I am on 0.25mg of digoxin and contacted my GP to ask about regular blood tests for toxicity and he said this is not done until over 70. I have leg swelling and eye blurring so going to go back and ask again.

[JudyMarieC in reply to MummyLuv]

That's interesting because I have leg swelling and blurred vision also. I'm 74 and no one seems too concerned about regular blood tests regarding digoxin. I plan to contact my EP next week to see if I can reduce my dosage.

[MummyLuv]

I would Judy they are known side effects of toxicity (I am not a doctor just from reading up on digoxin), the blurry eyesight is very annoying!