What exactly is this issue concerning the Darvon recall? You might have heard about it in the news or from small talk, but the issue is actually more serious than what you think. Darvon is a trade name marketed under the generic nomenclature of propoxyphene, a drug that is pharmacologically classified as an opioid, and therapeutically as an analgesic. Typically, this is given to patients with mild to moderate pain, but because it causes nearly fatal adverse effects, many pharmaceutical companies manufacturing propoxyphene have been requested by the US Food and Drug Administration to withdraw the said medication. As of this time, Xanodyne Pharmaceutical, Inc is the only company to have withdrawn their medications that contain propoxyphene, particularly Darvon and Darvocet. The FDA, in light of the Darvon Darvocet recall, is now asking other pharmaceutical manufacturers to withdraw the medication.

The underlying reason why the Darvon recall was issued rests in the medication’s potential complications. After FDA required more studies delve into the risks and effects of Darvon and Darvocet, it was revealed that these drugs, in fact, can cause fatal heart problems. Propoxyphene can potently block the sodium channels along the heart membrane. When the propoxyphene component is metabolized by the liver, a quarter of its dose is converted into norpropoxyphene, a metabolite very toxic to the heart with a longer half-life. This implies that the drug will be excreted at a much later time, causing other Darvon side effects such as dizziness, headache, palpitations, unconsciousness, chest pain and allergic reactions. The most affected body organ is the heart, because the toxic effects of Darvon can hamper its normal electrical rhythm, resulting in various kinds of irregular rhythms, or arrhythmias, that the patient will experience. For elderly patients, their kidneys, which are not that functional anymore, can also be damaged because propoxyphene is excreted into the urine.

It is common knowledge that all people experience pain, and this physiologic symptom is one of the most common complaints during doctor’s visits. Darvon is hailed as one of the most repeatedly prescribed medications, yet you might still look for more facts regarding the recall. Hence, you should know more about the medication and the complications it can cause, and be well aware of the Darvon Darvocet recall.

Disappointed and angry patients who take propoxyphene may be moved to file a Darvon lawsuit against the manufacturer, Xanodyne Pharmaceutical, Inc. Because Darvon and Darvocet are two of the most widely prescribed drugs to alleviate mild to moderate pain, many might have already experienced the dangerous symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration expects that more manufacturers of propoxyphene will withdraw the said drug from the market, even if it takes quite some time for this to happen. Although Xanodyne, the manufacturer of Darvon, was the first company to withdraw propoxyphene from the market, there are actually allegations that they were already well aware of Darvon’s strong likelihood to cause adverse effects. Many victims, as a result, are considering the act of filing a Darvon lawsuit.

Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, filed for a 2006 petition which stated many significant points regarding the Darvon recall. First of all, propoxyphene has an awfully thin margin of safety. Second, propoxyphene is nothing but a very weak painkiller, compared to other analgesics such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Lastly, propoxyphene is quite a potent narcotic agent, which can place the patient at additional risk for accidental overdose. Some may find it a relief that the FDA has finally issued the drug’s withdrawal, but it is actually very frustrating because consumer groups have already called for its ban many, many years ago.

Studies revealed that Darvon, being a narcotic, can be potentially addictive and very dangerous. Prolonged use of this drug may even lead to suicidal tendencies, apart from the symptoms it can cause, such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pains, allergic reactions and unconsciousness. Norpropoxyphene, which is an active metabolite of propoxyphene, is terribly toxic to the heart, and can disrupt its normal sinus rhythm. When this happens, cardiac depression may instantly develop, and death becomes imminent.

It is entirely understandable if Darvon victims and their families choose to press charges against propoxyphene manufacturers. They have all the right claims to do so. As a matter of fact, lawyers will advise you to file a Darvon lawsuit if you have been affected in one way or another.  Like any other personal injury case, compensatory damages can be rightfully claimed.