Brand Names: Darvon, Darvon-N

Generic Name: propoxyphene (Pronunciation: pro POX i feen)

• What is propoxyphene (Darvon)?
• What are the possible side effects of propoxyphene (Darvon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about propoxyphene (Darvon)?
• What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking propoxyphene (Darvon)?
• How should I take propoxyphene (Darvon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Darvon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Darvon)?
• What should I avoid while taking propoxyphene (Darvon)?
• What other drugs will affect propoxyphene (Darvon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is propoxyphene (Darvon)?

Propoxyphene was withdrawn from the U.S. market in November 2010.

Propoxyphene is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.

Propoxyphene is used to relieve mild to moderate pain.

Propoxyphene may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Darvon 65 mg

pink, imprinted with Lilly H03, DARVON

Darvon 65 mg-XAN

pink, imprinted with DARVON

Propoxyphene 65 mg-IVA

pink, imprinted with Z 2186

Propoxyphene 65 mg-MYL

pink, imprinted with MYLAN 7065

Propoxyphene 65 mg-QUA

pink, imprinted with Westward 235

Proproxyphene 65 mg-TEV

pink, imprinted with 93 741

What are the possible side effects of propoxyphene (Darvon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects include:

• feeling dizzy or drowsy;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;
• headache, muscle pain;
• blurred vision; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Darvon (propoxyphene) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about propoxyphene (Darvon)?

Propoxyphene was withdrawn from the U.S. market in November 2010.

Do not use this medication if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions. Propoxyphene should never be taken together with a sedative (such as Valium or Xanax) or an antidepressant if you are also drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Propoxyphene may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking propoxyphene. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.

Never take more than your prescribed dose of propoxyphene. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Propoxyphene can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not stop using propoxyphene suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.