Propoxyphene Lawyer Information

Propoxyphene is a prescription drug which has been placed on the Federal Drug Administration’s ‘do not prescribe list’—with good reason. In fact, this acetaminophen based medication has not been prescribed since November of 2010. Of course, that does not mean that it is not still negatively affecting your life today.

If you took propoxyphene prior to that date, it is possible that you may have incurred lasting, irreversible heart damage.

Important Background Information on Propoxyphene

Propoxyphene is a narcotic, an opioid, commonly used until recently to treat moderate to severe pain. Though not as addictive as methadone, the analgesic is chemically related and is marketed under the name, Darvon; or at least it was at one time. The FDA pulled the drug after reported data concluded that propoxyphene can cause negative side effects on the heart.

How does it affect the heart? Well, Propoxyphene can cause significant changes in heart function—so significant that the can easily be observed on an electrocardiogram. Over time, when administered at therapeutic levels, the heart’s natural rhythm can be permanently altered. The patients expected heart rhythm becomes abnormal and thereby causes danger. For this reason, the FDA determined that the risks outweigh the benefits and disallowed the drugs continuance. It is no longer marketed by Xanodyne, which agreed to pull all its products containing propoxyphene off the shelves. Generic brand marketers were advised of Xanodyne’s decision and were expected by the FDA to withdraw their products as well—but have they? Or are you still unknowingly taking another version of propoxyphene? If so, you are at risk.

Propoxyphene’s History With The FDA

As a single ingredient, propoxyphene was marketed as Darvon but was also sold as Darvocet when combined with acetaminophen. Additional names under which propoxyphene was marketed include: Sk-65, Sk-65 APAP, Trycet, Balocet, Genagesic and Wygesic Dolene, Propocet 100, E-lor and Balacet.

Prior to being disallowed by the FDA, physicians were advised that the patients using the drug should be monitored closely. Healthcare providers were strongly encouraged to limit the dosage and to warn patients not to simultaneously take additional over the counter medications that carried the same properties as propoxyphene, primarily acetaminophen, which can be most commonly found in Tylenol. Why? A combination of propoxyphene with additional acetaminophen could result in an overdose that is harmful to internal organs.

A year before propoxyphene was discontinued, the FDA ordered that a warning label be added to its container explaining the risks—which of course what not enough to put an end to the issues. Is a black box warning ever effective? A short time following, the narcotic was disallowed for distribution and patients were encouraged to destroy what was left in their medicine cabinets.

Keep in mind, advising you to flush propoxyphene is one thing, but eliminating the damaging effects is another matter altogether. Patients like you may find themselves suffering with long-term effects from consuming the medication back when it was an acceptable prescription.

Symptoms of Negative Issues Associated with Propoxyphene That You Should Know

If you were at one time prescribed propoxyphene, the prescribing physician should have informed you about the dangers linked to the medication. As you read through the symptoms described here, keep in mind that if you or a loved one is experiencing uncomfortable side effects from the discontinued narcotic, you should also seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of over exposure to Propoxyphene include:

• Ventricular fibrillation- uncoordinated contractions taking place in the heart ventricle that possibly leads to cardiac arrest.  In the case of ventricular fibrillation, the heart muscle quivers rather than contracting properly.

• Ventricular Tachycardia- potentially life threatening fast heart rhythm that originates in one of the heart ventricles.

The symptoms related to the electrical change in heart rhythm may be exhibited through fainting, angina, pain in the arm, back or neck and other symptoms that accompany congestive heart failure. The most frightening and serious symptom is sudden death. It is imperative that patients who have taken propoxyphene investigate any adverse disorders by contacting their physician. Worrying about sudden death or the damage to your heart does nothing for your case. It is time to be proactive.

Forget the What Ifs—Let Your Propoxyphene Lawyer Take Over Today

The natural response of a patient whose heart has been altered by the properties of the defective drug propoxyphene is to consider the “what ifs.” For instance, “What if I had not taken the drug? What if my heart had not been damaged?” What is done is done and there is no turning back the clock.

It is time to deal with reality and hold those responsible for your injury accountable. But you cannot do this alone. You need the help of a Propoxyphene recall lawyer who is:

• Experienced—someone who has handles similar cases gives you an added advantage in the courtroom.
• Aggressive—someone who will fight relentlessly for you will increase your chances of reaching a fair settlement.
• Compassionate—we know you are suffering and will treat you with the utmost compassion to ease your worries along the way.

The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm is the representation you need. We are ready, willing and able to obtain the justice you deserve. Call us at 713-223-1234, 800-779-4950 or send an e-mail to mail@OgletreeAbbott.com. Schedule your free consultation with a Propoxyphene recall attorney today!