The Darvon Recall: A Mounting Problem For All
The Darvon recall might sound familiar to you. You might have heard about it in the news or from someone else’s conversation, but this concern is actually more serious than what you expect. Darvon is a trade name marketed under the generic nomenclature of propoxyphene, a drug that is pharmacologically classified as an opioid, and therapeutically as an analgesic. Typically, this is given to patients with mild to moderate pain, but because it causes nearly fatal adverse effects, many pharmaceutical companies manufacturing propoxyphene have been requested by the US Food and Drug Administration to withdraw the said medication. As of now, Xanodyne Pharmaceutical, Inc has already withdrawn their medications containing propoxyphene, namely Darvon and Darvocet. The FDA, in light of the Darvon Darvocet recall, is now asking other pharmaceutical manufacturers to withdraw the medication.
The basis why the Darvon recall was issued rests in the drug’s capability to induce unwanted effects that can progress to severe physiologic complications. After FDA required more studies delve into the risks and effects of Darvon and Darvocet, it was revealed that these drugs, in fact, can cause fatal heart problems. Propoxyphene can potently block the sodium channels along the heart membrane. When propoxyphene is metabolized by the liver, a quarter of its dose is then converted into norpropoxyphene, a cardio-toxic metabolite that has a longer half-life. This implies that the drug will be excreted at a much later time, giving enough time for it to cause more Darvon side effects such as dizziness, headache, unconsciousness, palpitations, chest pain and allergic reactions. The heart will be the body organ most affected, because the adverse and toxic effects of Darvon can disrupt its normal electrical rhythm, which will result in the development of irregular rhythms, or arrhythmias. For elderly patients, their kidneys, which are not that functional anymore, can also be damaged because propoxyphene is excreted into the urine.
All people experience pain, and this symptom accounts for one of the most common reasons for medical consultation. Darvon is hailed as one of the most repeatedly prescribed medications, yet you might still look for more facts regarding the recall. Thus, you ought to learn more Darvon recall information, including how the drug can cause deadly heart problems.