Darvocet (generic: acetaminophen and propoxyphene) is used in the treatment of mild to moderate bouts of pain. However, Darvocet was withdrawn from the U.S. market in November 2010 when it was reported to have been linked to serious cases of overdose and even death.
Darvocet Overview
Darvocet, the immensely popular pain medication, was manufactured by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc. and introduced into the U.S. market in 1957. Since Darvocets inception in the fifties, it has been prescribed to treat mild to moderate bouts of chronic pain. However, Darvocet has recently been linked to a number of adverse health effects because of tendencies to overdose.
On January 30, 2009, an advisory committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged the potentially fatal side effects associated with the use of Darvocet in a press release. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm234350.htm In response to the committees information, the Health Research Group petitioned for the FDA to ban Darvocet due to the confirmed link between propoxyphene and over 10,000 confirmed deaths since the 1980’s. As a result, Darvocet was recalled and prompted the end of more than 50 years of distribution.
Side Effects of Darvocet
Darvocet side effects commonly reported include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, and dizziness. However, taking more than the recommended dose may cause severe and even fatal complications.