A commonly used type of painkiller, Darvocet as well as Darvon, was used by millions of people until the FDA banned it for its severe side effects and tendency toward accidental overdose.
Darvon/Darvocet
Many people are quite familiar with Darvocet since it has been a prescription medication used since 1950 to treat pain. Millions of patients were prescribed the pain medication, which is made from dextropropoxyphene (an opiate) and was distributed by Eli Lilly. However, when more studies were done and the FDA began to investigate the medication in more detail, it came to light that Darvon and Darvocet can have detrimental side effects to patients even when taken in the proper dosage. In addition, because the pain relief from the medications is minor, it is easy for people to accidentally overdose in an effort to seek pain relief.
There are several categories of side effects that come from the medication. The first type of side effect would be accidental overdose. As mentioned, the pain relief from Darvon and Darvocet is minor. It is easy for a patient to think that they need more medication to ease the pain, and when they take more Darvocet, they could easily overdose accidentally. The other types of side effects include heart conditions and heart failure in otherwise healthy patients. Even the minor side effects included kidney malfunctions, respiratory disorder and addiction due to its opiate characteristics.
In 2008, the administrations in both Europe and Australia banned the use of both Darvon and Darvocet. It was not long before the United States Food and Drug Administration followed suit. As of November 19, 2010, the FDA banned all production and distribution of both medications. In conjunction with this ban, the distributers agreed to withdraw all of the medication that was currently in pharmacies. Neither Darvon nor Darvocet are available from any prescription in the United States.
In light of the numerous side effects surrounding the use of Darvon and Darvocet, a class action lawsuit against Eli Lilly is currently taking form. In addition, there have been numerous civil lawsuits also to be filed and settled. Since the lawsuits are currently in litigation, there are no exact settlement amounts yet released. However, it is indicated that the amount of compensation will depend on the damage caused to the patient by the medication, including injury, illness, loss of work, and loss of life quality.
If you suffered from the mentioned side effects when taking either Darvon or Darvocet, then you need to know your rights and entitlements. Be sure to contact John Foy soon, at (404) 879-7518. He will help you get the compensation you deserve.
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