Darvocet is a very common narcotic pain medication that was recalled by the FDA in November of 2010 due to overwhelming evidence that it caused heart problems. Although only a weak narcotic, Darvocet is nevertheless addictive and was frequently prescribed to alleviate discomfort after surgical procedures.

The FDA approved Darvocet in 1972 but had since 2009 or earlier been working to issue a formal recall because of overwhelming evidence that Darvocet’s health benefits did not outweigh the health risks. Connected to thousands of serious injuries and death and documented through information collected by the Federal Drug Abuse Warning Network it is statistically linked to more than 5% of all drug related deaths occurring from 1987 to 2006.

In the months before the 2010 Darvocet recall the FDA compromised and allowed the drug to remain on the market, requiring only that its packaging feature the “Black Box” warning plainly stating the increased risk of heartbeat irregularities in their link to death. After the recall, the FDA urged all doctors to discontinue prescribing Darvocet but many patients may still be taking it for pain relief.

Made from propoxyphene hydrochloride and acetaminophen, Darvocet acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain and creates dangerous changes to the electrical activity that regulates the heartbeat.

Darvocet-Caused Heart Problems

Heart Arrhythmia
Heart arrhythmias are also called dysrhythmias and are simply defined as irregular heartbeats or heart rates. There many forms of heart arrhythmia including ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions and various forms of tachycardia. Although of any heart arrhythmias are mild, if they disrupt the natural heart rhythm and are not corrected they can result in death.

Heart Attack
The heart attack is caused by a blockage that prevents blood flow to a section of the heart. This lack of blood depletes the section of oxygen and very quickly the issues begin to die. Arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation can prompt a fatal heart attack.

Other Serious Darvocet Side Effects
Heart problems are not the only risks that come along with Darvocet. The following serious side effects requiring medical attention are also commonly caused by propoxyphene hydrochloride, the main ingredient in this painkiller.

• Blood pressure changes
• Breathing problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Appetite loss
• Mental confusion
• Addictive dependence
• Depression and Suicide

Anyone who has taken or has known someone who has taken Darvocet, Propoxyphene or Darvon and has suffered a heart arrhythmia, a heart attack, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarctions, heart valve problems or other heart conditions that led to surgical interventions or the installation of a pacemaker should contact an injury attorney familiar with the Darvocet risks and FDA recall to determine whether a lawsuit for compensation may be filed.