Kentucky court hearing more than 100 cases about drug that caused heart arrhythmia
More than 100 lawsuits filed by people who say they or their family members were hurt by Darvon, Darvocet or other drugs that contain the ingredient propoxyphene have been heard in U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky since August. So far, none of the cases originated in Kentucky, but stem from people living in other parts of the country.
The effort is the result of U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves being selected by a federal panel to handle all cases pertaining to the subject, reports Jennifer Hewlett of the Lexington Herald-Leader. “It’s basically in the interest of judicial economy so that multiple judges aren’t handling the same issue,” said deputy U.S. District Clerk Susan Baker.
Last last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals to withdraw Darvon and Darvocet from the market after receiving evidence propoxyphene can cause serious or fatal heart rhythm abnormalities. Now, thousands of suits are being filed by people who took the drug. “Our issue is people took a bad drug that hurt people and they want to have their day in court,” said attorney Richard Schulte of Dayton, Ohio, whose firm is dealing with 2,000 cases or potential cases. “We’re looking for justice for our clients. You’re not supposed to die when you take a pill for mild pain.” (Read more)