Darvon/Darvocet Lawsuits Likely After FDA Recall

Darvon/Darvocet lawsuits are very likely after the FDA recalled both painkiller drugs in November 2010 – saying that they were simply too dangerous to keep on the market. What are these drugs, why were they banned and what can you do if you were injured?

Darvocet/Darvon Lawsuits: A Closer Look At These Drugs

Although both drugs have been on the market for years – with millions and millions of prescriptions written annually – many people don't know what these drugs are. Here's a closer look:

• Darvon. Generically known as propoxyphene, or PPX, Darvon is a painkiller that is manufactured by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals. Originally produced by Eli Lilly, it has been on the market for over 50 years and was most commonly prescribed to manage post-surgical pain. However, Darvon side effects such as potentially deadly heart rhythms, liver and kidney issues and many others have been a major concern for years.
• Darvocet. Also manufactured by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Darvocet contains Darvon (propoxyphene) mixed with acetaminophen. It has also been associated with heart arrhythmia, liver problems and many others for years.

Darvon/Darvocet Injuries: Benefits No Longer Outweigh Risks

That's what the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reported as its reason to take both drugs off the market in November 2010 – a decision that had been made a year earlier, but was overturned until additional data could be obtained. It was that data – which linked 2,000 accidental deaths to these drugs – that caused the FDA's decision.

Many associations and consumer groups say that FDA dropped the ball on this by waiting so long to ban the drugs; however, they also say that the manufacturers – Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals and previously Eli Lilly – should have taken action years ago.

In fact, consumer advocate groups began petitioning the FDA in the late 1970's – over 30 years ago – to ban the drugs because they were simply too dangerous. Unfortunately, it wasn't until the European Union and the United Kingdom both banned the drugs a few years ago that the FDA seriously considered following suit. So, why didn't the manufacturers act if they knew that patients were being injured and dying from Darvon use and Darvocet use?

What Did Darvocet/Darvon Manufacturers Know?

That's a question which will be answered in the very near future as hundreds of Darvocet/Darvon lawsuits begin to be filed across the nation in the very short time since the FDA banned the drugs. Darvocet/Darvon injury lawyers say that many more lawsuits are being filed every day. If you or a loved one has been injured by Darvocet or Darvon – regardless of when the injury occurred – contact a Darvon/Darvocet attorney to discuss your situation and determine whether you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries such as lost wages, medical bills and pain & suffering.