The Duragesic Patch and generic fentanyl patches release the narcotic fentanyl in measured doses through the skin for treatment of very serious and chronic pain. The Duragesic patch is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutical Products, and a generic forms of the product are manufactured by Mylan Laboratories and Actavis Inc.

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The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a Public Advisory warning in July 2005, announcing the FDA’s intention to study the safety of the patch delivery system for the potent narcotic, fentanyl. The FDA had received at least 120 reports of deaths linked to the use of fentanyl patches.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, an industry watchdog group, claims that heat increases the absorption of medication from patches and exercise, a hot bath, high fever, or a heating pad or electric blanket can lead to fatal overdoses. Studies on transdermal patch delivery done at the Center for Biomaterials at Rutgers University support these claims, according to Bozena B. Michniak, a researcher there. Apparently the effect of heat on dosage levels was reported in studies as early as 1986, but users were not warned until 1994. The FDA issued a warning about this in 2007. See Duragesic Patch Side Effects – Drug Overdose for details.

There have been several recalls of both Duragesic and generic fentanyl patches. Janssen recalled hundreds of thousands of Duragesic patches in 2004 due to a faulty seal that could deliver an overdose to a patient. There were two more recalls in 2008 for Duragesic patches marketed by PriCara and as a generic product by Sandoz Inc. That recall was because the patches might be cut and pose a danger of overdose for the patient or caregiver handling them. Fentanyl patches manufactured by Actavis Inc. were also recalled because of possible leaks. Some of these patches may still be in circulation.

If you are prescribed Duragesic pain patches, make sure that the patches you receive were not included in any recall. Handle all patches with protective gloves while you examine them for defects. Discuss the risks of overdose with your health care practitioner and be sure not to subject the patches to any unusual level of heat. Find out from your health care practitioner if you should remove the patch when you are running a fever or engaging in any activity. Be aware of the signs of overdose and what you should do if you suspect that you have received an overdose.

If you or a family member have suffered serious injury or a family member has died after using a Duragesic pain patch or generic product, you may be able to make a claim for damages. You should contact a qualified Duragesic pain patch attorney to evaluate your case.

Check out the following articles for more information about Duragesic Patch, filing a Duragesic Patch lawsuit and finding a Duragesic Patch attorney.

• For more information about Duragesic Patch, see Drug Overview: Duragesic Patch Side Effects and Claims
• For more information about Duragesic Patch side effects, see Duragesic Patch Side Effects
• To find out more about the FDA warning, see Duragesic Patch Side Effects and Risks
• If you would like to learn more about Duragesic Patch lawsuits, see Duragesic Patch Lawsuits, Litigation & Lawyers
• To learn more about Duragesic Patch attorneys and how to find one, see Hiring a Duragesic Patch Attorney and Lawyer

Suffered harm from Duragesic Patch? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights. [Sponsored link]