Is Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) still available?

No, Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) has been [discontinued](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=016844) and is no longer available in the United States.

Why was Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) discontinued?

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) was discontinued, because the [FDA recommended against using medications containing propoxyphene](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-recommends-against-continued-use-propoxyphene). There was evidence that showed it could cause serious heart problems.

What are other ways to lower pain in place of Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)?

While all single-ingredient and combination forms of propoxyphene have been discontinued, [acetaminophen (Tylenol)](https://www.goodrx.com/acetaminophen/what-is) is still available as a single-ingredient medication and can be found over the counter. Additionally, there are other pain medications that are commonly used today like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ([NSAIDs](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/nsaids)). You can also try some non-medication options to help relieve your pain, such as physical therapy, massage, and [cognitive behavioral therapy](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/cognitive-behavioral-therapy) (CBT). Ask your provider about which [pain medications and non-medication options](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pain/non-opioid-options-pain-relief-how-to-choose) are right for you.

Darvocet

Q: What is Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)?

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) is made up of two medications that help treat pain. __Propoxyphene__ is an [opioid medication](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/opioids) that binds (attaches) to mu-opioid receptors in your brain to lower your response to pain. __Acetaminophen__ is an analgesic (pain reliever) that works by [stopping the production of certain chemicals](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1440-1681.13392) in the brain that cause pain.

propoxyphene / acetaminophen

Used for Fever, Pain

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) is a combination medication used to relieve mild-to-moderate pain. It's no longer available in the United States, because it was discontinued.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 13, 2022

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.

What is Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)?

What is Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) used for?

Mild-to-moderate pain

Drug facts

Common Brands	Darvocet(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	Opioid / Analgesic
Controlled Substance Classification	Schedule IV
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Darvocet(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

Opioid / Analgesic

Controlled Substance Classification

Schedule IV

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Darvocet

Darvocet is made up of two medications that help treat pain. Propoxyphene is an opioid medication that binds (attaches) to mu-opioid receptors in your brain to lower your response to pain. Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) that works by stopping the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause pain.

No, Darvocet has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Darvocet was discontinued, because the FDA recommended against using medications containing propoxyphene. There was evidence that showed it could cause serious heart problems.

While all single-ingredient and combination forms of propoxyphene have been discontinued, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is still available as a single-ingredient medication and can be found over the counter. Additionally, there are other pain medications that are commonly used today like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You can also try some non-medication options to help relieve your pain, such as physical therapy, massage, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Ask your provider about which pain medications and non-medication options are right for you.

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) dosage

Typical dosage for Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)

What are alternatives to Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)

Used for:

Mild-to-moderate pain

View prices

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Used for:

Mild pain
Fever

$5.04Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Diclofenac

Used for:

Mild to moderate pain
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)
Migraine attacks
Menstrual cramps

$8.85Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.

What is Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)?

What is Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) used for?

Drug facts

Common questions about Darvocet

What is Darvocet?

Is Darvocet still available?

Why was Darvocet discontinued?

What are other ways to lower pain in place of Darvocet?

Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen) dosage

Typical dosage for Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)

What are alternatives to Darvocet (propoxyphene / acetaminophen)?

Common questions about Darvocet

What is Darvocet?

Is Darvocet still available?

Why was Darvocet discontinued?

What are other ways to lower pain in place of Darvocet?