Darvon, Darvocet and Other Drugs Containing Propoxyphene Cause Potentially Fatal Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmia)

Darvon and Darvocet are prescription painkillers known to damage the heart, even when used at recommended doses, and cause fatal cardiac abnormalities. The manufacturer of Darvon and Darvocet, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc., agreed to withdraw both drugs from the market in November 19, 2010, under pressure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Propoxyphene: the Active Ingredient of Darvon and Darvocet

The active ingredient in Darvon is Propoxyphene. Propoxyphene has been on the market since 1957 and is frequently prescribed for treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is a member of a group of drugs called opioids. Propoxyphene is most commonly known by the brand name Darvon, and as Darvocet when combined with acetaminophen. Propoxyphene is also marketed under such names as Dolene, Propacet 100, Wygesic, SK-65, SK-65 APAP, Trycet, Genagesic, E-Lor, and Balacet.

Darvon/Darvocet/Propoxyphene Can Cause Potentially Fatal Abnormal Heart Rhythms

Darvon/Darvocet/Propoxyphene can cause serious abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), which are potentially fatal. This can happen even after a patient has taken Propoxyphene for years without incident. The elderly and patients with impaired kidney function are particularly at risk because they are less able to remove Propoxyphene from their bodies. There are approximately 16 deaths for every 100,000 prescriptions of Propoxyphene, double the amount for the painkiller hydrocodone.

Public Outcry Leads to the Banning of Propoxyphene

The public interest group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to ban Propoxyphene drugs first in 1978, then again in 2006. All drugs containing Propoxyphene have been banned in Great Britain since 2005. In July 2009, the FDA permitted the continued sale of Propoxyphene with a boxed warning noting the risk of fatal overdose, but ordered its manufacturer to conduct safety studies. Data from a subsequent study by Xanodyne demonstrated that even when taken at recommended doses, Propoxyphene causes significant changes to the electrical activity of the heart, some of which result in fatalities.

Lawsuits for Darvon, Darvocet and Propoxyphene Deaths

If a loved one suffered a fatal heart attack while using Darvon, Darvocet or any other painkiller containing Propoxyphene, his or her estate or family may have a strong legal claim. Because death claims must be brought before the expiration of deadlines known as statutes of limitations, one should not delay consulting a lawyer. If a family member died of a heart attack while using Darvon, Darvocet or any other Propoxyphene product, please consider contacting the attorneys at DeCarli Law for a free, no-obligation consultation.