Darvocet Heart Arrhythmia Risk Faced by Millions Over the Decades

Darvocet combines Darvon (propoxyphene) and Tylenol (acetaminophen), and it was one of the most popular painkillers prescribed in the United States before it was recalled.  However, the FDA determined that the risk of serious injury or Darvocet death outweigh any potential benefit it may provide when compared to the use of over-the-counter painkillers. Most argue, now, that the Darvon and Darvocet recall came decades too late for thousands of people who suffered and died due to this drug. In 1957 the FDA approved propoxyphene ,

which is the active ingredient in Darvocet. The medication was introduced in an attempt to find a less addictive, yet equally effective alternative to codeine. However, it was found that the medication is actually not as potent as codeine and may be no more effective than two aspirin.

In November 2010, a Darvon and Darvocet recall was announced after the FDA concluded that side effects of propoxyphene can cause significant changes to the electrical activity of the heart.  The heart problems may increase the risk of heart arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and sudden death. All of the Dravon and Darvocet lawsuits allege that the drug makers failed to adequately warn consumers or the medical community about the risk of serious and potentially fatal heart rhythm problems. Propoxyphene bans were announced in the United Kingdom almost six years ago, and in Europe, almost 1½ years ago. According to Public Citizen, the FDA’s delay has cost thousands of lives.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order establishing the Darvocet MDL on August 16, which will result in the transfer of at least 17 cases that have been filed so far. In addition, as Darvon and Darvocet lawyers continue to file new cases in federal courts across the country, they will be transferred to the Eastern District of Kentucky for coordinated handling before U.S District Judge Danny C. Reeves. The deaths from Darvocet and Darvon are often caused because the drug is converted into a metabolite that is toxic to the heart and lasts longer in the body, potentially causing cardiac depression. It has also been associated with suicides, intentional and unintentional overdoses.