Darvon and Darvocet

The Nature of the Drug: Darvon and Darvocet were pain relievers that treated mild to moderate pain, and that were often used by arthritis sufferers. Darvocet was developed by Eli Lilly and Co. and marketed by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, and it contained propoxyphene and acetaminophen. Darvon was also developed by Lilly and marketed by Xanodyne, and it contained propoxyphene.

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The Hazards of Darvon and Darvocet: The drugs’ users experienced side effects involving the heart, including cardiac disorders, arrhythmia bradycardia, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, congestive arrest, congestive heart failure (CHF), tachycardia, and myocardial infarction (MI).
Other symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting were linked to the drug. And suicide was associated with it, as was death from fatal heart arrhythmia and other heart problems.

In January 2009, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended removing Darvon and Darvocet from the market. The FDA responded by requiring a new warning to be added to the drug’s label explaining the risk of a fatal overdose. Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals had to conduct a study testing the drug’s safety and assessing propoxyphene’s effect on the heart.
Propoxyphene was found to alter heart electrical activity so as to increase the likelihood of abnormal heart rhythms. The drugs were therefore taken off the market in November 2010, based on the FDA advisory panel’s recommendation and on the safety study.
To Obtain Legal Relief: People who have taken Darvon or Davocet and have suffered cardiac disorders may have valuable legal rights. Attorney Stephen A. Katz is available at (800) 251-3529 for a free consultation, or for legal representation.