Darvocet (generic: propoxyphene with acetaminophen) is a weak, yet addictive, narcotic painkiller that is often prescribed after surgery or to manage pain. It contains a combination of acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol, and propoxyphene, which is the active ingredient in Darvon.
In 2008, the consumer interest group Public Citizen filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The lawsuit alleges that the FDA violated the law by failing to act on a petition filed in 2006, which urged the removal of Darvocet, Darvon and generic propoxyphene drugs from the market because they have been associated with over 2,000 accidental deaths, are physically addictive and are no more effective than other safer painkillers such as ibuprofen (i.e., Advil) and acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol).
The reason for the lawsuit is based on new data that shows that the drug can cause serious toxicity to the heart, even when used at therapeutic doses, resulting in cardiac injury such as pulmonary edema or cardiac arrest.
Study indicates that Propoxyphene, the active ingredient in the drug, has been associated with 2,110 reported accidental deaths in the United States since 1981. A large proportion of deaths related to this drug occur because most of the drug is converted into a metabolite that is highly toxic to the heart and lasts longer in the body than the original compound, resulting in cardiac depression. Adverse cardiac events associated with propoxyphene include an interruption of heart transmission of electrical impulses, slowed heartbeats and a decreased ability of the heart to contract properly, putting individuals at risk of possibly extreme or even fatal heart rhythm abnormalities.
Side effects of Darvocet:
- Abnormal Heart Rhythms
- Tachycardia
- Fatal Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Adverse Cardiac Events
If you or a loved one have taken Darvocet or Darvon and suffered from any side effects including accidental overdose, intentional overdose, suicide or any form of cardiac emergency, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
