On November 19, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked the manufacturers of prescription painkiller Darvocet or Darvon to remove these drugs from the marketplace. These drugs can cause irregular heart rhythm and abnormal heart rates, even when taken at prescribed doses. Darvon and Darvocet are brand names for propoxyphene. Other brand names for propoxyphene include Dolene, Propacet 100, Wygesic, SK-65, SK-65 APAP, Trycet, Genagesic, E-Lor, and Balacet. These medications have been banned in the UK for almost six years and in Europe for 1-1/2 years.
If you are currently taking this prescription medicine, contact your doctor to see if you should use another painkiller that has fewer risks. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your physician. Patients who have used propoxyphene regularly for more than a few weeks and then suddenly stop using it may experience symptoms of withdrawal including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and shivering.
Propoxyphene is an opioid medication that was approved as a painkiller by the FDA in 1957. Since 1976, it has been marketed in the U.S. as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance.
Heart Problems And Other Health Issues
Recent studies by drug manufacturer Xanodyne proved that the medicine caused significant changes to the natural electrical activity of the heart, even when the medicine was taken at recommended doses. These abnormal changes include prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex and prolonged QT interval, which can be seen on an electrocardiogram (EKG).
A change in your disease state, intake of any other medications or a decrease in kidney functions can increase your risk for heart problems from propoxyphene.
If you have kidney function problems, you may be more at risk for heart problems because your body can not adequately eliminate the drugs from your system. This can lead to an accumulation of the harmful drug in your body. Additionally, if you are taking other medications that affect your heart or the break down (or metabolism) of the propoxyphene, you may have a higher risk of problems.
Unused Pills
If you have been diagnosed with heart problems and have taken Darvocet or Darvon, and your doctor has advised you to stop taking the medicine, then follow your physician’s instructions. It is important to keep any leftover pills in their original bottles, as they may provide valuable information in the future. Store the medicine in a safe location away from children and away from other medicine so that it is not mistakenly consumed.
If you have not experienced any heart problems, then you should dispose of any pills that you may have. Take the medicine out of its original container and mix it with used coffee grounds, used kitty litter or other undesirable substances. This will make the medicine less appealing to children and animals, and anyone who might search through your trash. Then place the unappealing mixture in the trash.
If you or a family member or friend has been prescribed one of these medications, and have suffered a heart attack or been diagnosed with other serious cardiac problems, you should contact an Oklahoma Darvocet, Darvon and prophoxyphene lawyer at Carr & Carr Attorneys. With offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, plus Springdale, Arkansas, we can help you no matter where you live. Additionally, if your loved one has died of a heart problem and they had been prescribed Darvon or Darvocet, you need to visit with a lawyer immediately. Call 1-877-392-4878 to talk with someone who can help your family.
Remember, there are certain deadlines by which any lawsuit for damages should be filed. Failure to file such a suit by the deadline will result in the loss of your right to seek monetary damages or other relief. A personal injury lawyer who has experience with pharmaceutical litigation can help protect your rights and advise you on your next steps.
