Darvocet & Darvon Injuries: Who Is Ultimately Responsible?

SAUSALITO, CA, January 12, 2011 (Press-News.org) Millions of Americans have likely been injured by Darvocet and Darvon over the past several decades. But who's ultimately responsible? It's a question that will soon be answered as more and more Darvon and Darvocet injury lawsuits are filed. If you've been injured, it's in your best interests to find out more.

What Did Eli Lilly & Xanodyne Pharma Know?

And more importantly - when did they know it? Darvon/Darvocet lawyers say that the answer to those questions will soon be answered. However, they say that if these manufacturers (Eli Lilly, Darvon; Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Darvocet) follow the lead of other big drug companies, then chances are that they simply covered their ears, closed their eyes and decided that not conducting their own studies were in their best interests - much to the horror of the thousands of patients potentially harmed by the drug.

Drug Companies Required To Provide Safe Products

Drug companies are required to test their drugs before marketing them to the American public and should take additional action whenever they find out new information. While Darvon and Darvocet were approved by the FDA years ago, chances are that they would not be approved today. Product liability lawyers say that, in effect, this was another case of the FDA - which has reported more than 3,000 cases of serious Darvon and Darvocet side effects such as suicide, addiction and overdose - sitting on its hands and not following up, forcing or even requesting drug companies to do the right studies.

Although many say that the FDA didn't act responsibly, it's clear that drug companies became aware of injuries and risks after these drugs were banned in England and Europe back in 2005. Yet, the companies never instituted their own studies. They simply let the drugs remain on the market - putting profits over patient safety. So, who really is ultimately responsible - the FDA or the drug companies?

Responsibility Ultimately Falls On Drug Companies

Product liability lawyers say that injured consumers or patients often don't understand that even though the FDA certainly should have acted sooner in this situation, that doesn't mean that there is no recourse. There is. While you can't sue the FDA for failing to act, you can seek redress from the drug companies who knew - or should have known - that these drugs were bad. Drug companies bear the ultimate burden of making sure their products are effective and safe. That is especially true in this case as patients could have received the same benefits from Tylenol without taking the same risks of suffering fatal heart arrhythmias, heart attacks, suicide and overdose.

Sending A Message That Patient Safety Comes First

Americans have seen drug company after drug company do more for their stockholders than for those who buy and use their products. Ironically, many believe that while some drugs are deemed unsafe to give to those living in other countries, they're generally safe for Americans until proven 100% unsafe - even though this country should theoretically be a leader in this area. It's the people who hold drug companies responsible for their actions that are sending an important message, which is that patient safety should - and must - come first.

If you've been injured by Darvon, Darvocet or another propoxyphene-based drug, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your situation and determine whether filing a lawsuit is in your best interests.

Online since 1999, www.FreeAdvice.com provides consumers and small businesses with balanced and comprehensive legal information covering over 125 legal topics. These useful and professionally prepared answers to thousands of legal questions are written, reviewed, and updated by lawyers from leading law firms across the country. For further information, please contact us at 240-462-5858