Darvon and Darvocet Recall

April 30, 2025 | Product liability

Darvon and Darvocet Recall

Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recalled Darvon and Darvocet after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended against continued use of the pain relievers in November 2010. However, Darvon and Darvocet were linked to serious heart problems, some of which were fatal. The Darvon and Darvocet recall included the generic form of these medications (i.e., propoxyphene).

What Were the Reasons for the Darvon and Darvocet Recall?

A study linked Darvon and Darvocet pain medications to a risk of heart rhythm abnormalities or arrhythmias. The FDA determined that the risk of an adverse reaction outweighed the benefit of the drugs. Other countries had already taken Darvon and Darvocet off the market when the medications were recalled in the United States.

Darvon, Darvocet, and the generic medication propoxyphene have been linked with several medical conditions, including:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Overdose
  • Irregular heartbeat

Patients have reported severe injuries and impairments after taking the pain medications. Some patients had to undergo a cardiac ablation procedure or had a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator implanted. Families have reported losing loved ones in wrongful deaths.

Propoxyphene had been subject to many complaints long before Darvon and Darvocet were recalled. The FDA issued a black box warning for the drug before it was recalled, warning of the dangerous side effects associated with taking the medication. However, Darvon remained in the U.S. market for over 50 years.

Darvon and Darvocet Product Liability and Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Unfortunately for many patients, the FDA warning and the Darvon and Darvocet recall came too late. Individuals were left with devastating injuries and impairments. Families lost loved ones who died after taking the medications. Product liability and wrongful death lawsuits were filed to hold the manufacturers responsible for the harm caused by these medications.

How Do I Know if I Have a Darvon or Darvocet Lawsuit?

Numerous side effects have been associated with Darvon and Darvocet. If you took medication containing propoxyphene and experienced any of the following side effects, you may have a claim for damages:

  • Heart attack
  • Arrhythmia
  • Kidney damage
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Stroke
  • Permanent damage to the central nervous system
  • Liver damage
  • Severe allergic reaction

Some patients became dependent on the drug and experienced withdrawal. Others overdose on the drug or may have harmed themselves because of suicidal thoughts and/or depression.

The best way to know if you have a Darvon and Darvocet injury claim is to discuss your situation with an experienced Lancaster product liability lawyer. An attorney with experience handling dangerous drug cases can review your case and advise you of your legal options for pursuing a claim.

What Damages Can I Receive for Injuries Caused by Darvon or Darvocet?

The damages in a defective drug case include compensation for your financial losses. Examples of economic damages include:

  • The cost of medical treatment, including ongoing medical care for permanent impairments or conditions
  • Rehabilitative therapies and care
  • The cost of long-term personal and/or nursing care
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Lost wages, employment benefits, and earning capacity
  • The cost of specialized medical equipment and services

A Darvon and Darvocet settlement can also include compensation for the person’s pain and suffering. Examples of non-economic damages include:

  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical pain
  • Impairments and disabilities
  • Emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Disfigurement and scarring

How much a case is worth is based on the damages. Many factors impact the value of damages, including the type and severity of your injuries. Careful documentation of your expenses and losses can increase the settlement for an injury claim.

How Can a Lancaster Product Liability Lawyer Help Me With a Darvon or Darvocet Injury Claim?

Dangerous drug cases are complex personal injury claims. An experienced product liability lawyer understands the complexities of these types of cases. They can help you with your claim by:

  • Gather evidence proving that the drug has dangerous side effects, including working with scientists, medical specialists, and other top expert witnesses
  • Work with your physicians and medical experts to obtain records and opinions
  • Analyze and document your damages to calculate the maximum value of your claim
  • Aggressively pursue claims against all parties responsible for placing a dangerous drug on the market
  • Negotiate a fair settlement when possible
  • Litigate the case in court and argue your claims before a jury when a settlement is not possible

If you have questions about injuries caused by Darvon and Darvocet, contact a Lancaster product liability lawyer. There are time limits for filing Darvon and Darvocet lawsuits, so do not wait to contact a lawyer about a claim. 

If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

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