01 March, 2006 20:38 GMT
Propoxyphene, sold as Darvon or Darvocet, is converted into a metabolite that is highly toxic to the heart and lasts longer in the body than the original compound, resulting in cardiac depression, says the group Public Citizen.
Public Citizen petitioned federal regulators Tuesday to take the painkiller sold as Darvon and Darvocet off the market in the United States.
In a petition to the
Food and Drug Administration asking that the drug be phased out, the group founded by Ralph Nader said propoxyphene has been responsible for more than 2,000 deaths since 1981, is addictive and is no more effective than available alternatives.
Public Citizen blamed the drug for 5.6 percent of the drug deaths in the past 19 years.
Converted into Metabolite Toxic to Heart
Propoxyphene is converted into a metabolite that is highly toxic to the heart and lasts longer in the body than the original compound, resulting in cardiac depression, the group said.
About 23 million prescriptions were written for the drug in 2004.
Most propoxyphene is manufactured by four companies -- Mylan, Mallinkrodt, Teva and QLT -- and marketed under the brand names Darvon and Darvocet in addition to generic versions.
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