Painkiller Darvon Has Dangerous Heart-Related Side Effects
Last Updated on February 4, 2026
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter. Check back for any potential updates. You can also sign up for our free newsletter for the latest in class action news and settlements.
If you still have questions about your rights, contact an attorney in your area as there is a time limit for filing all lawsuits. The information on this page was posted when the investigation began and is now for reference only.
Free Consumer Tools:
- Open and Current Class Action Lawsuit Settlements and Rebates
- Open and Current Class Action Lawsuit List, Investigations
- Class Action Lawsuit and Settlement News
- Free Class Action Lawsuit Database
Darvon and Darvocet are brand names for painkillers consisting of or containing the drug propoxyphene. Propoxyphene was banned by the FDA in late 2010 on account of its side effects, the dangers of which had been discussed and debated for over 30 years prior.
Users of Darvon and Darvocet are at risk for potentially fatal heart complications. Studies of Darvocet’s side effects on users showed that abnormal heart rhythms were present even in patients taking the recommended dosages. Studies of higher dosages were not conducted, as the lower-dosage study provided sufficient evidence to prove the dangers of Darvon and Darvocet.
Potentially dangerous heart electrical changes were present in the bodies of healthy propoxyphene users, according to one FDA study. Yet another study showed that Darvon and Darvocet-related deaths were higher than for many other, stronger pain killers.
Darvocet side effects can include abnormal heart rhythm or heart beat, dizziness, heart palpitations, and lightheadedness, all of which could be symptomatic of the serious heart complications Darvon and Darvocet have been shown to cause. Fortunately, propoxyphene side effects are not thought to be cumulative. That is, once patients stop taking the drug, the complications should go away.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to taking Darvon, Darvocet, or any other propoxyphene medication, contact an experienced dangerous drug lawyer today.
Before commenting, please review our comment policy.