FDA Pulls Darvocet Due to Heart Problems

Darvocet is a pain killer that combines the drug propoxyphene (brand name Darvon) with acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol). The FDA pulled Darvocet, Darvon and all propoxyphene-containing drugs from the shelves in late 2010, citing that the drugs’ dangers outweigh their benefits.

Darvocet (as well as Darvon) has been shown to cause serious heart problems in its users. Though other side effects were known, discovering the severity of the heart problems was the final straw which led to the FDA ban. Darvocet has been proven to cause potentially fatal heart arrhythmia in otherwise healthy patients, even at recommended doses. The drug affects the electrical activity of the heart, increasing the chance for a heart attack.

Since the 1950s, Darvocet has been used to treat mild-to-moderate pain. Since the 1970s, however, there has been vocal opposition to its widespread use, much of which was pushed aside until the last decade. The UK banned the drug in 2005, based on tests conducted in the USA. It has been estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 people died in the time between the UK and US bans on Darvocet.

Many preventable deaths and injuries have occurred due to the negligence of others in keeping Darvocet on the market and allowing it to be prescribed in spite of its dangerous side effects. If you or a loved one have been injured or suffered a wrongful death from taking Darvocet, Darvon or any other propoxyphene medication, contact a Darvocet lawsuit attorney today to protect your rights to compensation for your pain and suffering.

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