Darvon/Darvocet Recall! On November 19, 2010, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc. agreed to recall Darvon and Darvocet from the US market at the request of the Food & Drug Administration. The recall came after a panel of experts upon viewing studies found that the risks of Darvon® / Darvocet® and its generic counterpart, propoxyphene, outweighed the supposed benefits of the drug.
Darvon is a narcotic pain reliever that is generally prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. It may also be prescribed as the brand name Darvocet, which contains both propoxyphene and acetaminophen.
Darvon has been on the market since 1950. It would never meet today's standards for FDA approval, but was "grandfathered in." Over the years the drug's makers have failed to warn patients and doctors of its substantial risks.
Scientific literature has declared that the drug is no more effective than aspirin, though nearly half of the doctors believe it to be more potent.
Darvocet is one of the 25 most commonly prescribed medications, and has been prescribed to more than 22 million people.
Last February an FDA advisory panel recommended that the agency recall Darvocet and Darvon, after they concluding that the minimal pain relief benefits provided by the drugs do not outweigh the substantial risk of overdose and suicide. The FDA allowed the medications to remain on the market with a new “black box” warning about Darvon and Darvocet side effects, which is the most stringent warning label possible under federal regulations.
On November 19, 2010 the FDA announced a recall of the drug after new clinical data showed that side effects of Darvon/ Darvocet included an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart rhythm abnormalities.
If you or a loved one have experienced any of the side affects listed above while taking Darvon, Darvocet or any generic propoxyphene, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact one of our experienced attorneys immediately for a free consultation by filling out the contact form or by calling us toll free at (877) 917-5250, the call and the advice are free.
