Darvocet May Lead to Deadly Heart Troubles

The Food and Drug Administration made the decision last November to recall Darvocet, Darvon, and all other pain-killing medications that contain propoxyphene. Their decision was based on studies that determined that such analgesics put users in danger of developing arrhythmia and related Darvocet heart problems.

Understanding Darvocet Heart Arrhythmia’s Dangers

For years before the recall, medical experts had been issuing warnings that Darvon (propoxyphene) and Darvocet (propoxyphene and acetaminophen, the painkiller used in Tylenol) could cause hazardous changes to the electrical functioning of the heart. The FDA even published a report in 2009 that supported these very same fears.
Those investigating the relationship between propoxyphene and heart problems arrived at the conclusion that even in so-called therapeutic amounts, Darvon and Darvocet were found to cause negative inotropic effects in some patients. This means that the drugs can cause the muscular contractions of the heart to weaken over time.
When the heart’s contractions become weaker, it sets the stage for dangerous shifts in the user’s normal intervals of heartbeat. According to data published by the FDA, such shifts may include a prolonged PR and/or QT interval, and an expanded QRS complex (see above image).
These symptoms are indicative of Darvocet heart arrhythmia, or in layman’s terms, an irregular heartbeat. This is a serious medical condition that can give rise to sudden and sometimes deadly cardiac arrest. A consumer advocacy association known as Public Citizen had been appealing the FDA for decades to recall Darvocet and Darvon. They estimate that between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals in the United States lost their lives due to Darvocet heart problems over the last five years.

Darvocet Heart Arrhythmia: Signs and Remedies

While certain kinds of arrhythmia present no danger, others can be deadly. Doctors can identify both kinds by using an ECG (electrocardiogram). The symptoms of a severe Darvocet heart arrhythmia include feeling faint, experiencing shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, or feeling that your heart is fluttery or otherwise agitated.

In some cases, heart arrhythmia does not require treatment. Some kinds of heart arrhythmia can be remedied with anti-arrhythmia drugs.

If you are a current or former user of Darvocet or Darvon and have reason to believe you may have experienced heart problems caused by these medications, it is imperative that you cease taking the drug immediately and consult a doctor right away. You should also know that you might qualify for financial compensation for your medical costs, which can be obtained through a Darvocet lawsuit. If you are one of the many individuals who have undergone Darvocet heart troubles, it is advised that you speak to an attorney at your earliest opportunity.