FDA Watch: FDA Sued Over Darvon, Darvocet

The FDA has been sued over it’s failure to act on a petition to ban the painkiller Dextropropoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet). The narcotic propoxyphene is both highly addictive and notoriously weak—studies have shown ibuprofen is often more effective.

“Propoxyphene (Darvon) Has Hazardous Side Effects And Is No More Effective Than Similar Drugs.”

-Public Citizen Website

A group called Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to ban the drug over two years ago, and even though propoxyphene-based painkillers have been banned in Britain since 2005, the FDA has thus far refused to make a move. In Great Britain propoxyphene has been tied to accidental deaths and suicide, and U.S. doctors have known about the drug’s propensity for chemical dependence for years. So, you ask, why hasn’t the FDA banned it here in the states?

Because in the U.S., propoxyphene—sold under the brand names Darvon and Darvocet—is one of the most widely prescribed painkillers on the market. Americans filled 22 million prescriptions for propoxyphene-based painkillers in 2007 alone. That’s quite a few tacos for drug companies like Mylan*. Can’t get any simpler than that…

*Mylan aquired Darvon and Darvocet from Eli Lilly, the drug’s original creator and manufacturer.

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Read the full text of the Public Citizen v. FDA Complaint.

Public Citizen Press Release: Public Citizen Sues FDA for Failure to Act on Dangerous Drug -06/19/2008

KLEW TV: FDA sued for failure to act on risky painkiller

Image courtesy Wikipedia

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To learn more, check out:

• Dextropropoxyphene on Wikipedia
• Public Citizen: www.citizen.org
• Mylan, Inc.: www.mylan.com
• Eli Lilly and Company: www.lilly.com