FDA Calls for a Nationwide Ban on Darvocet - Lawsuits

Two major painkilling medications have been recently banned by the FDA: Darvon and Darvocet. Darvon is the brand name for propoxyphene, a narcotic painkiller that has been used since the 1950s. Darvocet is propoxyphene combined with acetaminophen. In fact, not only these brand names, but all propoxyphene medications have been recalled, due to the serious heart complications they can cause.

Darvon and Darvocet have been commonly used for decades, and there are estimates that over 10 million Americans were using them at the time of the ban in late 2010. The United Kingdom had implemented its own ban 6 years prior, with the rest of Europe following suit about a year and a half before the American Darvon and Darvocet ban.

The fight to ban Darvocet began in the 70s and continued in earnest up to late 2010. Public Citizen, a public interest group, has alleged that, in the 6-year period between the UK and U.S. bans on Darvocet, 1,000 or 2,000 Americans died from using propoxyphene.

Propoxyphene has been shown to cause severe-to-deadly heart arrhythmia, even in physician-recommended doses. While patients are not recommended to stop taking the drug immediately, all are encouraged to speak with their physician about pain management alternatives. If you or a loved one are or were taking Darvon, Darvocet, or any other propoxyphene medication, and you have experienced abnormal heart rate or rhythm, fainting, heart palpitations, or dizziness, speak to a doctor immediately and get in contact with an experienced Darvocet attorney who can protect your rights. To find out if you have legal recourse, simply fill out the complimentary, no-obligation case review form on the right.

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