RECALL of DARVON and DARVOCET, Pain Killers
November 2010: New clinical data has linked prescription pain medications Darvocet (propxyphene plus acetaminophen) and Darvon (generic: propoxyphene) to serious or potentially life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. As a result, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of these two drugs, agreed to issue a voluntarily Darvon and Darvocet recall.
If you or a loved one has experienced an abnormal heart beat or developed cardiac problems while taking Darvon, Darvocet or the generic propoxyphene, please contact the experienced attorneys at Beltz & Ruth, PA for a free consultation of your rights.
In July 2009, the FDA asked Xanodyne to conduct a new study evaluating the cardiovascular side effects of propoxyphene and also requested that the medication include a new boxed warning outlining the risk of a fatal overdose. The results of this study found that, even when healthy people took the medications in recommended dosages, propoxyphene can significantly change the electrical activity of the heart. These changes can be detected with an electrocardiogram (ECGs) and may increase an individual’s chances of heart rhythm abnormalities and possibly sudden death. Other cardiac side effects of Darvon and Darvocet include: slowed heartbeat, decreased ability of the heart to contract properly and interruption of the heart’s transmission of electrical impulses. Dehydration, kidney problems, changes in medication and other minor modifications in a patient’s health may impact their risk of cardiovascular Darvon side effects. Doctors have been asked to stop prescribing these drugs. Patients taking the medication are being advised to see their physician to discuss switching to another pain killer.
The FDA received two requests to issue a propoxyphene recall since 1978. Until now, the agency found that the pain management benefits of Darvon and Darvocet outweighed their risks. However, after examining the new clinical data, along with other information, the FDA found that propoxyphene’s effectiveness was no longer enough to outweigh its risk of heart problems and requested that a Darvon and Darvocet recall be issued.
Darvocet, Darvon and propoxyphene users who have developed abnormal heart rhythms or suffered other cardiovascular side effects may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact the law firm of Beltz & Ruth at 1-800-235-8978 – We may be able to help.
