Pharmacy and Medications

Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet) Withdrawn from Market Due to Risk of Cardiac Toxicity

ATTENTION: The drug Propoxyphene (sold as Darvon, Darvocet, and generics) was removed from the US market on November 19, 2010 due to safety concerns.

FDA RECOMMENDATION: If you are taking Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet, or generics):

Health care professionals should stop prescribing propoxyphene to their patients.

Patients who are currently taking propoxyphene should contact their health care professional as soon as possible to discuss switching to another pain management therapy.

Dispose of unused propoxyphene in household trash by following the recommendations outlined in the Federal Drug Disposal Guidelines.

For additional information about this withdrawal, please follow the link below:

FDA Safety Alert: Propoxyphene: Withdrawal - Risk of Cardiac Toxicity

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Last Reviewed: Dec 20, 2010

S David Baker, PharmD, DABAT
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy
Managing Director, Central Ohio Poison Center
Nationwide Children's Hospital
The Ohio State University