Lawsuits Claim Cardiac Failure as Darvocet Side Effect

Popular painkillers containing propoxyphene, which include Darvocet, Darvon and generic equivalents, were removed from the market in November 2010 after it was confirmed that the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening heart side effects outweigh the benefits provided by the medications. A complaint was filed on May 24 in U.S. District Court in New Orleans by Peggy Oniate against Eli Lilly & Co., Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc., Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Vintage Pharmaceuticals, Inc., saying the recalled painkiller caused her to suffer a fatal heart attack. Darvocet lawsuits are one of a growing number that have been filed by plaintiffs who say they suffered heart problems or lost loved ones due to a heart attack from Darvocet.

Propoxyphene is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Darvon, Darvocet and dozens of generic versions of those drugs, including variations such as Darvocet N100, Darvocet N50, Davon-N and Compound 65. The medications have been used to relieve pain from fractures, major surgery, dental surgery and pain related to arthritis, joint pain and headaches for over 50 years. In 2009, the FDA ordered the manufacturers to increase the warnings about potential heart problems from Darvon and Darvocet, and also required the drug makers to finally conduct a thorough study to evaluate the side effects of Darvocet and Darvon on cardiac electrophysiology.

The plaintiffs in these cases seek to have the cases consolidated since all lawsuits over Darvocet, Darvon and other propoxyphene-based painkillers contain similar allegations that drug makers failed to warn doctors and patients about the risk of serious and potentially fatal heart rhythm problems. Another suit was filed on behalf of Elizabeth Houlihan, who allegedly began taking the medication in 2009 and continued using it until her heart attack, which occurred in May 2010. The complaint claims the defendant was not aware of the potential side effects of the drug and would not have taken it if she had known about them. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals on behalf of people who took Darvocet and these lawsuits are to be consolidated within Federal District Court of New Orleans. Victims suffering from the adverse effects of Darvocet are advised to consult with an experienced Darvocet lawyer immediately.