Propoxyphene (Darvon/Darvocet)

About Propoxyphene (Darvon/Darvocet)

The pain killer Propoxyphene (also known as Darvon or Darvocet) is a narcotic analgesic, that was first approved by the FDA in the 1950's to relieve mild to moderate pain. Today, approximately 10 million Americans take this drug, while other countries around the globe have since banned its use.

In 1971, the interest group Public Citizen questioned Propoxyphene's safety and asked that the FDA remove the drug Darvon from the market claiming that it is connected to "serious and sometimes fatal heart rhythm abnormalities." At that time the FDA failed to honor this request and the drug remained on the market.

In 2006, Public Citizen requested that the FDA remove the drug from the market for a second time and it took the FDA three years to hold hearings addressing their request. The initial FDA advisory committee ruled to remove the drug, but the FDA overruled this decision and the drug remained on the market while further studies as to the drug's safety were performed.

On November 19, 2010, after the studies confirmed that Propoxyphene may cause a heart arrhythmia in some patients, the FDA removed the Darvon from the market. This decision comes six years after the United Kingdom banned the drug and almost two years since the European Union banned it. 

The FDA advises that patients who are taking the drug should continue to take the drug but consult with their doctor immediately to determine what is the best alternative. 

Conditions Caused By Propoxyphene (Darvon/Darvocet)

Side Effects & Symptoms

Warnings & Recalls

On November 19, 2010 the makers of Darvon removed the medication from the market after being requested to do so be FDA officials.

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