Darvon and the Heart

Darvocet heart arrhythmia is the common name by which people reference the most serious of Darvon side effects. It is also referred to as irregular heartbeat. Over 850,000 Americans are hospitalized each year for irregular heartbeat of some type.
Pharmaceutical drugs normally come with a list of potential side effects. And Darvon was not an exception to the rule. The list of potential side effects listed for Darvon use upon its release included: nausea, general weakness, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, skin rashes, minor visual disturbance, euphoria, hallucinations, headache, dysphoria, constipation, vomiting, sedation and dizziness.

Even more side effects after Darvocet's release

And just as most pharmaceutical drugs come with a list of potential side effects upon their release…most pharmaceutical drugs’ list of potential side effects increase drastically “after release.” The extended list of potential side effects associated with Darvon and Darvocet after their release to the public included: stomach disorders, kidney disorders, lowered blood pressure, liver disorders, rash and itch, psychiatric disorders, nervous system disorders, disorders of metabolism and nutrition, elevated heart rate, confusional state, immune system disorders such as hypersensitivity, symptoms of drug withdrawal, heart and respiratory arrest (cardiac arrest), respiratory arrest, drug dependence, heart attack, coma, dizziness, vomiting, convulsion, eye disorders, heart rhythm disorders, diarrhea, accidental death, accidental and intentional overdose and suicide.
Propoxyphene is the active ingredient in Darvon and Darvocet. Evidence from independent studies has indicated that the propoxyphene can interfere with the electrical activity of the heart; even when the heart is otherwise healthy. The interference with the electrical activity of the heart can result in heart arrhythmia, heart rate abnormalities, irregular heart rates and other cardiac related issues that can cause fatality through heart attack. Estimated Darvocet related deaths are in the thousands according to experts in the field.
Darvocet and all related drugs were pulled by the FDA after 53 years in use in the US market as a common, mild painkiller. The eventual recall came after the FDA reevaluated the seriousness of the Darvon/Darvocet side effects.