Darvon and Darvocet banned in U.S.

I find it interesting to hear that the drug commonly known as Darvocet and also similarly Darvon has been banned in the U.S. as of November 19, 2010. The formal name of the drug is Dextropropoxyphene and is in the opiod category of drugs. If you know someone who wants to help a drug addicted friend or loved one, refer them to this website so they can see what they can do to help.

This ban came by the FDA in response to research that suggests the drug Darvocet can lead to heart problems such as heart arrythmias. The drug is also known to be addictive and is associated with some deaths. It is commonly prescribed in the treatment of pain.

I personally was prescribed darovcet in 2008 in an attempt to treat my chronic 24/7 headache caused by the removal of my wisdom teeth. I took darovcet a few times and spaced out the usage due to the potential addictive nature. However, it was effective in reducing my pain. I didn’t notice any alarming side effects.

The European Medicines Agency recommended that dextropropoxyphene based medicines be outlawed in the European Union in June 2009. Here we are over a year later where the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides to make a similar call in the U.S. and stop the sale of Darvon and Darvocet.

Many patients who have been taking this medication have to discuss with their doctor what they can use as a substitute. It can be difficult to change medications as well. It seems as if Tramadol is the current leading choice for those who need to switch over from Darvon or Darovcet.

I find this case interesting as it could relate to the removal of wisdom teeth. The British National Institute for Clinical Excellence has long argued that there is no evidence to remove disease free impacted wisdom teeth and says to keep them in due to the risks that can occur. It seems to me that a similar call should be made in the U.S. unless evidence surfaces. Unfortunately the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) won’t step in to the wisdom teeth removal controversy. Even so, the American Public Health Association does have similar recommendations as the British National Institute for Clinical Excellence regarding third molars.