The FDA is requiring revised labeling to help reduce the risk of an overdose in patients using pain medications such as Darvon (propoxyphene napsylate) and Darvocet (propoxyphene napsylate plus acetaminophen) because of data linking propoxyphene to fatal overdoses. A widely prescribed opioid, propoxyphene has been sold since 1957 as a therapy for mild-to-moderate pain.
An intravenous (IV) formulation of ibuprofen (Caldolor), designed primarily for use in hospitals, is now available. Caldolor drug is the first injectable product available in the U.S. for the treatment of pain and fever.
The introduction of IV ibuprofen drug should help achieve improved pain control with less need for opioid analgesics and fewer opioid-related side effects. Until now, the only injectable drugs available to relieve pain were opioids, which can cause sedation, nausea, vomiting, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression.
