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Home arrow Other arrow Other health conditions arrow Dangerous Pain Meds
Dangerous Pain Meds

 

 A popular pain medication is under scrutiny. Propoxyphene (used in Darvocet® and Darvon®) could be banned by the FDA. Despite the fact that it is in the top 25 drugs prescribed in the U.S., it has already been banned in many other countries. This is because it can cause toxicity to the heart tissues. There is not much difference between the toxic dose of propoxyphene and a therapeutic dose which makes it easy to overdose on the drug. It is estimated that at least 10,000 deaths in the last 50 years have been caused by the drug.


If you are currently taking propoxyphene, use caution. Do not take the medication with other drugs that suppress the nervous system or with alcohol. Be sure also not to take the drug more than directed. As few as 6 tablets can be dangerous. If you are currently taking propoxyphene and are concerned about it affects on the heart, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other alternatives to pain management. 

 

 

Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.

Dr. Larson is a Clinical Infusion Pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of www.empoweredmedicine.com. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab.  EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information.