Darvocet Heart Problems Lead to Recall

The Food and Drug Administration announced in November 2010 a recall of prescription painkillers Darvon, Darvocet, and all other analgesics that contain propoxyphene. The reason for the recall is that these drugs represent an unacceptable danger to users, putting them at risk of developing Darvocet arrhythmia and heart problems.
News that medicines containing propoxyphene can lead to heart problems had been publicized by medical experts for years. Finally, in 2009, the FDA published the results of a study that supported findings that Darvon (propoxyphene) and Darvocet (propoxyphene with acetaminophen) can dangerously interfere with the heart’s electrical activity.
The researchers who performed the study concluded that even in carefully measured doses, both Darvon and Darvocet are able to produce negative inotropic effects. This means that the drugs can result in weakened muscular contractions of the heart over time. When the heart’s contractions are weakened, dangerous shifts in the regular intervals of heartbeat can result. As stated in the report that the FDA published, these changes can lead to a prolonged PR and/or QT interval, and also a widened QRS complex (see image).
Such changes to the normal interval of the heartbeat are symptoms of Darvocet heart arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat. One consumer advocacy group named Public Citizen has appealed to the FDA for many years to recall Darvon and Darvocet and ban their use in the United States. This group estimates that over the last five years, these two prescription medications have been the cause of death for 1,000 to 2,000 Americans.

Signs of Darvocet Heart Arrhythmia

In certain circumstances, heart arrhythmias can be harmless. But in other cases, they can be fatal. Doctors are able to discern all kinds of heart arrhythmias by using an ECG (electrocardiogram). Sometimes no treatment is called for, but in some cases prescription anti-arrhythmia drugs may be prescribed. In the most serious situations, surgery is required to address the issue.
Symptoms of a severe Darvocet heart arrhythmia include but are not limited to: dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and/or feeling a fluttering or otherwise agitated sensation in the heart.
If you have taken Darvon or Darvocet and you have reason to believe you may be experiencing Darvocet or Darvon heart problems, please quit taking the medicine immediately and consult your physician as soon as possible.
Also, you may be eligible for compensation of your medical expenses via a Darvocet lawsuit. If you have suffered from Darvocet heart problems, it is imperative that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible.