Darvon and Darvocet
Los Angeles Darvon and Darvocet Class Action Lawyers
Darvon and Darvocet Injuries
On November 19, 2010, the FDA asked manufacturers of the painkillers Darvon and Darvocet for a product recall. Clinical data showed that use of these drugs puts patients at risk of potentially serious or even fatal heart rhythm abnormalities. If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has died due to the use of Darvon or Darvocet, it is essential that you contact a defective drug attorney as soon as possible. At the law firm of Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for your legal right to financial compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What Is Darvon and Darvocet?
Darvon (also known as propoxyphene) is a painkiller that was first approved for sale in the United States in August of 1957, and has been one of the most widely-prescribed drugs in the country. Darvon and Darvocet (propoxyphene combined with acetaminophen) have been criticized for their ineffectiveness, addictive qualities, toxicity, and potential for overdose. Consumer watchdog groups have petitioned for recall of these drugs as early as 1978.
Why Is Propoxyphene Dangerous?
Clinical studies have found that toxicity develops with these drugs at levels only slightly above the recommended daily dosage, and therefore overdose is common. As an opioid painkiller, it is also extremely addictive. In 2006, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen alleged that the drugs had been associated with the accidental deaths of at least 2,110 people between 1981 and 1999. A large portion of these deaths occurred because most of the drug propoxyphene is converted into a metabolite that is highly toxic to the heart and lasts longer in the body than the original compound. Adverse effects that can occur include interruption of the heart’s transmission of electrical impulses, slowed heartbeats, and interference with the heart’s ability to properly contract. Fatalities within the first hour of over dosage are not uncommon.
What are the Side Effects of Darvocet and Darvon?
Severe and sometimes fatal responses have been reported from the use of propoxyphene drugs, such as Darvon and Darvocet, including the following:
- Cardiac disorders
- Bradycardia
- Cardiac/respiratory arrest
- Heart arrhythmia
- Congestive arrest
- Congestive heart failure
- Tachycardia
- Heart attack
- Suicide
- Sudden death
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Tightness in the chest
- Decrease in mental abilities
California Darvon And Darvocet Attorneys
The law firm of Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos is currently investigating claims involving Darvon, Darvocet and other pain medications containing the chemical compound propoxyphene. If you or a loved one has taken any of these drugs and suffered from any side effects including accidental overdose, intentional overdose, suicide, or a cardiac emergency, contact us immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and other damages. Our pharmaceutical litigation attorneys have the experience and legal knowledge necessary to effectively fight for your rights.