According to a national pain survey, 24 percent of Americans experience chronic pain. In some cases, pain is a necessary part of the body’s system. It is an alarm that tells you that something is wrong and that you need to address the cause. It is only natural that people will do whatever they can to relieve pain. One of the pharmaceutical industry’s goals is to find ways to alleviate pain, and researchers, therefore, are constantly looking for new combinations of medications to treat it.
Propoxyphene, an opioid or narcotic drug, in combination with acetaminophen, belonging to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers), and antipyretics (fever reducers) has been sold under the name Darvocet-N. Darvocet-N, a prescription medicine, has often been used as part of a treatment plan to manage arthritis pain as well as other painful conditions. Common side effects of the drug, including headaches, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, were tolerable by most people. However, in severe cases, some experienced a slow heartbeat along with shallow breathing, hallucinations, convulsions, chest pain and skin rash. On November 19, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it intended to withdraw propoxyphene from the United States market because new data indicated this drug could cause serious toxicity to the heart even when used as therapeutic doses. Petitions to withdraw the drug began as far back as 1978.
The main driving factor behind the withdrawal of Darvocet was propoxyphene’s ability to affect the heart rhythm to a serious degree even at normal doses. The use of Darvocet, even at prescribed doses, can increase the risk of serious abnormal heart rhythms.
If your doctor prescribed Darvocet and you have suffered from its side effects, you should consult with an experienced Louisville, KY Darvocet class action lawyer who is familiar with the risks associated with this drug. While many users were aided by Darvocet-N, there are still far too many who may have sustained injury as a result of using the drug.
Discuss your situation with a competent lawyer who will fight for you. An attorney can help protect your rights as a victim and hold negligent pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions in a court of law. If you’re looking for a Louisville dangerous drugs attorney, contact Thomas Law Offices today to find out how we can help you.
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