Patients who have taken popular propoxyphene-based pain killers, including Darvon and Darvocet, are urged to see their doctors and seek counseling to determine whether or not they are experiencing any negative side-effects from using the drugs. Similar propoxyphene-based painkillers were banned in the United Kingdom more than six years ago and in the European Union two years later.
Medical professionals are anticipating a large volume of patients to come forward with questions and concerns related to their use of Darvocet, following a November 2010 recall of the painkiller. The Food and Drug Administration asked for the voluntary recall of the propoxyphene based drugs after concerns that it could cause cardiac toxicity resulting in fatal heart rhythm irregularities and other side effects.
As one of the 25 most-prescribed drugs in the United States, Darvocet users are estimated at 22 million. Patients currently on Darvocet, Darvon, or a generic propoxyphene-based pain killer are urged not to take matters into their own hands and consult their physician before discontinuing use.
Patients are strongly discouraged from taking themselves off Darvon, Darvocet or propoxyphene-based generic pain killers right away as other health complications can occur. Fortunately for long-time users of Darvon and Darvocet, the cardiac dangers of propoxyphene are not cumulative.
If you are not sure about the generic you are using, discuss your prescription with a pharmacist. Side effects of propoxyphene-based painkillers include cardiac toxicity resulting in fatal heart rhythm irregularities and a tendency of users to build up a tolerance over time, possibly leading to an overdose if they take to self-medicating. Long-time users of Darvon and Darvocet may also suffer serious withdrawal symptoms once they stop taking the medication.
Long-time users are urged to discuss potential cardiac testing with their physicians to ensure that no undetected damage to their heart muscle occurred while they were using the prescription drugs. Most likely this would involve a physical examination and EKG test administered in the doctor’s office.
Patients are encouraged to request help with choosing an alternate pain medication to suit their needs and plan a course of action to manage possible side effects. This may be particularly problematic for chronic pain sufferers. Chronic pain is not well understood by medical science and no two people react to the same pain medication the same way.
Legal Help for Victims of Darvon & Darvocet Side Effects
If you or someone you love has been hospitalized by Darvon or Darvocet side effects, please contact us immediately to discuss your case with a Darvon Recall Lawyer at our firm.