Darvon Lawsuits

Darvon is a narcotic drug that contains the chemical propoxyphene, which is also available as a generic from several different companies. Although it is a relatively weak painkiller, it has been associated with thousands of deaths and is very addictive. Consumer groups have urged the U.S. FDA to recall Davron from the market since the risks outweigh the benefits of the drug.

STATUS OF DARVON LAWSUITS: Lawyers are reviewing the potential for legal claims on behalf of individuals who suffered an overdose, suicide or heart related death while taking Darvon or generic propoxyphene.

OVERVIEW: Darvon (generic: propoxyphene) is a relatively weak narcotic painkiller that is often prescribed to manage post-surgical pain. It may also be prescribed together with acetaminophen, or as the brand name drug Darvocet, which contains both propoxyphene and acetaminophen. It is one of the most widely prescribed generic medications, with approximately 22 million prescriptions for propoxyphene in 2007.

DARVON SIDE EFFECTS: Thousands of deaths and other serious injuries from overdoses and suicides have been linked to Darvon side effects. According to data from the Federal Drug Abuse Warning Network, deaths related to Darvocet, Darvon and other generic propoxyphene drugs acccounted for over 5% of all drug related deaths between 1987 and 2006.

In June 2008, the consumer group Public Citizen filed a Darvon lawsuit against the FDA because they had failed to act on a petition filed in 2006 urging the U.S. drug regulators to remove propoxyphene drugs from the market. When the lawsuit was filed, it had been three years since British health officials began the withdrawal of the drug, and two years since the original petition was filed by Public Citizen. The lawsuit alleges that the FDA violated the law by failing to act on the petition or take actions to protect consumers from the painkiller’s side effects.

According to the petition filed by Public Citizen, over 2,000 accident deaths since 1981 have been linked to Darvon, Darvocet and generic propoxyphene. In addition, it is highly addictive and has limited documented benefits over other available drugs that are safer.

Darvon side effects also pose a risk fort he elderly, as it can cause sedation and confusion, which may increase the risk of falls and fractures. Despite these risks, it is still widely used in nursing homes, hospitals and other long-term care facilities for older people.