Darvocet

Darvon, Darvocet and related painkillers were associated with the deaths of at least 2,110 people between 1981 and 1999, critics said in asking the government to ban the drugs. 

The National Instistute of Health (NIH) reported in a warning on its website that propoxyphene in high doses, taken by itself or in combination with other drugs, has been associated with drug-related deaths. One should not take propoxyphene in combination with other drugs that cause drowsiness.

Darvocet-N and Darvon Compound-65 are mild narcotic analgesics prescribed for the relief of mild to moderate pain, with or without fever. The active ingredient, propoxyphene, is related to codeine and opium, and chemically similar to methadone. Darvocet works by combining propoxyphene and acetaminophen.

Propoxyphene is among the nation's most widely abused painkillers, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration spokeswoman Leah Young said. A survey in 2004 found 21 million people had made “non-medical” use of products containing propoxyphene or codeine, she reported. It continues to be one of the most widely prescribed medicines, ranking 12 th in line as the highest-selling generic drug in 2004 and raking in 23 million prescriptions.

Eli Lilly and Co. developed the drug but later sold it to aaiPharma Inc. of Wilmington, N.C.

Note - Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.

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