Dextropropoxyphene, an opioid, was approved for mild-to-moderate pain more than 30 years ago. Since then evidence has accumulated that it is no more efficacious than paracetamol.
A “For Debate” article in the MJA said the drug also carried a significant risk of sudden death from cardiotoxicity in patients with renal impairment, drug interactions and accidental or deliberate overdose. (1)
If the TGA and AAT were not able to protect the public, “doctors and pharmacists should take matters into their own hands and stop using this dangerous and useless drug”, Professor Henry said.
