subject: The Dangers of Painkillers and Heart Attack [print this page] The Dangers of Painkillers and Heart Attack
Darvocet is a common pain relief prescription medication often used to treat patients with arthritis as well as other forms of pain. This painkiller contains propoxyphene and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is also found in the pain reliever Tylenol.
Darvaocet (propoxyphene) is a narcotic medication referred to as an opoid painkiller. This type of drug alters brain function in terms of how pain is interpreted. Darvon, an earlier form of Darvocet contained only propoxyphene. Later acetaminophen was added because it was found that the combination of these two drugs was more effecrive in relieving pain. Bear in mind that opoids can be habit-forming especially when taken for long periods of time. You should not stop taking Darvocet suddenly. If you have taken Darvocet for a week or more, you will need to talk with your healthcare provider on how to stop taking the drug. It is easy to overdose on this drug so be careful to follow all instructions properly.
Darvocet has been known to interact with other drugs. You should avoid alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives and other painkillers. Darvocet and alcohol can be a deadly combination and has been associated with a number of deaths. Alcohol can increase the potential for liver dysfunction caused by acetaminophen. Darvocet can also increase bleeding complications particularly if you are taking Coumadin.Make sure to thoroughly discuss your medical history with your doctor so that adverse side effects can be avoided. If you experience a change in behavior such as depression or suicidal thoughts, report this to your doctor immedicately.
The non-profit organization, Public Citizen believes that all medical therapies that contain propoxyphene should be removed as a medication. In fact, this organization actually sued the FDA due to failure to act on a petition they sent stating that propoxyphene was physically and mentally addicting. The petition also stated that propoxyphene was no more effective than alternative therapies that were safer to use and that it was responsible for more than 2,000 deaths in the United States since the early 1980's. The Public Citizen group has published a book known as "Worst Pills, Best Pills" which listed Propoxyphene (Darvocet) as a DO NOT USE drug since 1988 saying that Darvocet is essentially an ineffective painkiller and that it is about as effective as Ibuprofen. A Darvocet Recallwas finally issued in 2009 along with Darvon and other generic forms.
The adverse side effects linked to Darvocet involved a number of deaths reported due to a metabolite that is generated from the breakdown of this drug which is toxic to heart tissue and the fact that this metabolite stays around for long times affecting heart transmission. This byproduct of propoxyphene causes intermittent disruption of electrical currents slowing down the heart creating a heart arrythmia so that the heart can't contract properly.
Even though Darvocet was recalled in 2009 you might still have this prescription drug in your medicine cabinet and take it from time to time. In reality, a prescription drug should be disposed of properly when your therapy is done. Many drugs can not be thrown in the toilet or dumped in a trash can. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of any medication. Also, be careful where you leave your medications if you have children and pets in the home.
What you need to know about are the serious side effects associated with Darvocet. If you experience these side effects make sure you stop taking it and get immediate medical attention. The severe side effects reported include:
Yellowing of the eyes and/or skin (liver dysfunction)
Allergic reactions such as a skin rash, tongue swelling and/or face swelling
Breathing problems
Dizziness, weakness or loss of consciousness
Fatigue
Bruising and/or bleeding
Depression and/or suicidal thoughts
Heart arrythmia (slow heartbeat)
If you or a loved one has experienced adverse Darvocet side effects such as heart arrythmias, liver dyfunction, depression, suicidal thoughts or any other associated complication, you may be entitled to compensation. It is best to speak with a qualified professional who is knowledgeable about this Darvocet Recall to see if you qualify for a Darvocet Lawsuit .
