On November 19, 2010, at the request of the FDA, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Newport, Ky., agreed to pull its painkillers Darvon and Darvocet off the U.S. market.  They also asked makers of generic versions of the drugs' core compound, known as propoxyphene, to stop selling it in the U.S. 

Darvon and Darvocet's active ingredient, propoxyphene, has been linked by a new study to serious and sometimes fatal heart rhythm abnormalities (e.g. arrhythmia). The study showed that the drugs increase risks for heart arrhythmias even in healthy patients, not just those weakened by illness.

In it's announcement, the FDA urged doctors to stop prescribing Darvon and Darvocet  immediately. However, it advised patients to continue taking propoxyphene, while consulting as soon as possible with their doctors to arrange for an alternative medication.

If you were prescribed Darvon or Darvocet and were diagnosed with a heart rhythm abnormality (e.g. arrhythmia), contact us for a free legal consultation. You can call us toll-free at (800) 351-8588 or complete the form below to have a representative from Capretz & Associates contact you.