What is Darvocet?
Darvocet has been withdrawn from U.S. markets since November 2010. Darvocet is a mixture of propoxyphene and acetaminophen. Propoxyphene belongs to a class of painkillers called narcotics. Acetaminophen is a milder pain reliever as well as a fever-reducer that enhances the effects of propoxyphene. Use Darvocet to treat mild to moderate pain, with or without fever. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Darvocet.
Warnings
Darvocet has been withdrawn from U.S. markets since November 2010. It is important that only the prescribed person use propoxyphene. Store the medicine in a safe place that others can't access. Darvocet should not be used if an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or Nardil has been taken in the past 14 days. Darvocet can cause serious, even life-threatening, effects if taken before your MAO inhibitor is cleared.
Before you take this drug
Darvocet should not be used if you have an allergy to propoxyphene or acetaminophen. Propoxyphene can be addictive and is only to be taken by those who have been prescribed it. Darvocet should never be shared with anyone, particularly someone who has a drug addiction or abuse history. Store the medicine in an area where other people cannot access it. Darvocet should not be used if an MAO inhibitor such as Furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, Azilt, Emsam, or Zelapar has been taken within the past 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction could lead to severe side effects.
Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have to ensure that you are able to safely use Darvocet.
- Asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea are all breathing disorders.
- Liver or kidney disease
- An individual with a history of head trauma or brain tumor;
- A gallbladder, pancreas, or liver disorder
- A stomach or intestine disorder.
- Suicidal behavior or thoughts;
- Mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction histories should never be ignored.
You should tell your doctor that you consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day or have had alcohol-related liver disease. Some medications that contain acetaminophen may be incompatible with yours. FDA pregnancy category C Although it is unknown whether Darvocet will harm an unborn child, the drug may cause respiratory problems in newborns or withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant while on treatment. Acetaminophen, propoxyphene, and other drugs can be passed into breast milk. This may cause harm to a baby who is nursing. Darvocet should not be used without consulting your doctor if you plan to breastfeed a child.
Similar/related drugs
Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Tramadol, Naproxen, Oxycodone, and Tylenol
How to take Darvocet?
Darvocet should only be taken as directed by your physician. Take Darvocet only as prescribed by your doctor. Please follow the instructions on your prescription. If the medication does not seem to be working well enough for you, tell your doctor. A liver injury can result from an overdose of acetaminophen. Adults shouldn't take more than 4000mg (4 grams) or 1 gram of acetaminophen a day. You should not take more than two grams of acetaminophen (2000mg) per day if you consume more than three drinks per day. You may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Darvocet. You can ask your doctor about how you can avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you decide to stop taking Darvocet. Tell the surgeon in advance if you will need surgery if you use acetaminophen or propoxyphene. It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking the medication.
Darvocet should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Track the dosage for each bottle. You should know that propoxyphene can be abused, and if someone is taking your medication without a prescription or improperly, you need to take action.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Darvocet can be taken whenever you need it, so there is no set schedule. Take the missed dose immediately if you take this medication on a regular basis.If the next dose is coming due, simply skip any missed one and don't add more medication in to make up for what was missed.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek immediate medical attention. Darvocet overdoses can lead to death. The symptoms of an overdose include drowsiness and nausea. Other signs may be dark urine or jaundice, pinpoint pupils or dilations, confusion (convulsions), blue lips or cold, clammy skin, or swollen skin.
What should be avoided?
Darvocet can impair thinking and reactions. Drive carefully or be careful when doing anything else that demands alertness. Before taking any cold, allergy, or pain medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Many combination medications contain acetaminophen, sometimes abbreviated "APAP". You can get too much acetaminophen by taking certain medicines together. You can check the labels of medicines to determine if they contain acetaminophen, APAP, or both. Darvocet can cause certain side effects if you drink alcohol.
Side effects of Darvocet
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response to Darvocet, seek emergency medical attention: difficulty breathing or swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.If you experience severe adverse side effects, such as:
- Feeling like you may pass out, shallow breathing, and a slow heartbeat
- Feeling short of breath and having chest pain
- Confuse yourself with unusual behavior or thoughts.
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark urine are all symptoms of jaundice.
Less serious Darvocet side effects include:
- Feeling dizzy, drowsy, or sleepy
- Mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
- Headache, headaches, and blurred vision
- Dry mouth
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Propoxyphene can cause sleepiness. Other medications, such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, or muscle relaxants, may also contribute to this. Inform your doctor of any narcotic medication or other medicines you use regularly.
Inform your doctor of all medications that you take, including:
- Aspirin, or blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin);
- Birth control pills
- Dexamethasone, Hexadrol (Decadron)
- A diuretic such as furosemide (Lasix).
- John's Wort;
- An antibiotic, such as erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifadin (Rifadin), or rifapentine.
- An antidepressant, such as Nefazodone
- Antifungal medications such as fluconazole, traconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole
- A barbiturate, such as Solfoton (phenobarbital);
- Heart or blood pressure medications such as amiodarone (Cordarone), diltiazem (Cartia/Cardizem), procardia (Nifedical), propranolol (Inderal), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan) among others,
- HIV/AIDS medicines such as fosamprenavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, zidovudine, and others
- Seizure medications such as lamotrigine, phenytoin, and carbamazepine
Darvocet can be affected by many drugs not listed here. Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medications that you take. Included are vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, as well as drugs prescribed by doctors. You should not begin taking a new drug without first consulting your doctor.
