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Propoxyphene, the active ingredient in Darvon & Darvocet, has been removed from the US market after a new clinical trial linked the drug with high risk of developing serious heart rhythm abnormalities. The FDA has asked the maker of the drug, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals to withdraw the drug, and they have agreed.
The FDA is now talking with generic makers of all medications containing propoxyphene, asking them to also remove their products from the market.
This drug has been prescribed for TMJ disorder patients for pain relief.. take a look in your medicine cabinet or at your pain medication’s label so you are sure of what you are taking.
Doctors will stop prescribing the medication effective immediately.. however, if you are taking Darvon, Darvocet, or any medication containing the ingredient propoxyphene, the FDA has advised that you do NOT stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
For more information, visit the FDA’s press release about the removal, or call your doctor.