The November 2010 ban on the popular propoxyphene-based painkillers Darvon and Darvocet, along with generic propoxyphene products, has left many consumers of the pills wondering whether or not they have an opportunity to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for Darvocet side effects they may have suffered.
Propoxyphene products were first introduced to the U.S. market over 50 years ago, and ever since consumers have been plagued by serious side effects as a result of the medication. The Food and Drug Administration were first petitioned in 1978 to recall the products, but the recall was denied. Finally, in 2010, studies were conducted that definitively linked propoxyphene to heart problems in healthy patients, even at standard doses, and a recall was initiated. However, for many consumers, the recall came years too late.
Many events preceded the Darvocet recall that should have indicated the dangers of the drug, including the ban of propoxyphene in the United Kingdom six years ago and in the European Union over a year ago. However, the FDA waited years to make their final decision – years that put thousands of lives at risk. Over 10 million people were taking Darvon, Darvocet, or another propoxyphene-based painkiller at the time of the recall.
Anyone who has taken propoxyphene-based drugs, or who has a family member who has done so, may be eligible to file a Darvocet lawsuit in order to seek compensation for pain and suffering as well as other expenses, such as hospital bills and wages lost. Potential plaintiffs must have suffered negative side effects due to propoxyphene use, including heart attack, heart arrhythmia, addiction, or overdose. Family members of individuals who have died from taking propoxyphene products may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
Experts hypothesize that thousands of Americans have died because of propoxyphene-related issues since the UK ban was initiated, and blame the FDA for not acting sooner on a drug that was potentially dangerous.
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