FDA Recalls Painkilling Drugs Darvon, Darvocet and Other Propoxyphene-Based Drugs—Act Now!

This November the Food and Drug Administration removed yet another set of risky painkillers from the market: Darvon and Darvocet, popular pain management medications from Eli Lilly and Company and Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals respectively. The FDA determined that the severe risks far outweighed the minimal benefits following a release of new clinical data and years of warnings by safety advocates.

Clinical Study Links Darvon, Darvocet and Other Propoxyphene-Based Drugs to Heart Problems, Death by Overdose and Suicide

The FDA called the market withdrawal of Darvon, Darvocet and other propoxyphene medications after reviewing new clinical data that showed an increased risk of serious and potentially fatal heart rhythm abnormalities. Propoxyphene has also been linked with accidental fatal overdoses, and suicide. The FDA recall arrives nearly six years after the UK banned propoxyphene, and nearly a year and a half after the European drug agency’s own recall. Public Citizen’s Health Research Group says that at least 1,000 to 2,000 Americans have died in the time since the UK ban was announced, chastising the US Food and Drug Administration for its extremely slow pace in this matter.

Propoxyphene became available on the market in 1957. Darvon, Darvocet and other propoxyphene-based drugs are among the 40 most commonly prescribed drugs in the US. Since 2005, about 120 million prescriptions for propoxyphene-based medication were filled in the United States alone. Propoxyphene is sold under various names as a single-ingredient product, like Darvon, and as part of a combination product with acetaminophen, like Darvocet. Propoxyphene is also marketed under such names as Dolene, Propacet 100, Wygesic, SK-65, SK-65 APAP, Trycet, Genagesic, E-Lor, and Balacet.

See Your Doctor Immediately

If you are using a propoxyphene painkiller like Darvon or Darvocet, do not stop taking it until you see your physician—there is danger of serious withdrawal symptoms. The FDA recommends patients taking propoxyphene to contact their health care professional as soon as possible, and to request a new pain control therapy. The FDA also urges health care professionals to stop prescribing propoxyphene-based drugs like Darvon and Darvocet.

Act Now—Contact Us Today

Seeger Weiss LLP is investigating injury claims associated with Darvon, Darvocet and other propoxyphene painkillers. If you or someone you know has taken a propoxyphene painkiller and suffered adverse side effects, contact us today. An experienced attorney with Seeger Weiss LLP will assist you in evaluating your claim. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.