Watson Pharmaceuticals has again recalled its Fentanyl Transdermal System patches – a generic version of Duragesic patches which are used to treat severe or chronic pain. The patches may leak a powerful opioid that could cause a fatal overdose. Watson recalled another lot of patches for the same problem in August 2008 and other manufacturers such as Activis and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) subsidiaries Janssen Pharmaceutica Products and Alza have also recalled patches recently – which has led to dozens of product liability lawsuits. Drug manufactures have already paid out nearly $36 million to injured victims.

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Recall details

Here are the recall details according to a press release from Watson Pharmaceuticals:

One lot of 100 mcg/hr Fentanyl Transdermal System patches sold in the United States is being voluntarily recalled from wholesalers and pharmacies. The recalled patches are from Lot Number 145287A, have expiration dates of February 2011 and were manufactured by Watson Laboratories, Inc. and distributed by Watson Pharma, Inc. The affected lot of Fentanyl Transdermal System patches was shipped to customers between April 2, 2009 and May 20, 2009.

A small number of patches leaking fentanyl gel have been detected in this lot, potentially exposing patients or caregivers directly to fentanyl gel. Anyone who has 100 mcg/hr Fentanyl Transdermal System patches should check the box or foil pouch for the lot number and expiration date to see if they have patches that are being recalled.

To view the press release, please click here.

Product liability lawsuits continue

Product liability lawsuits against the manufacturers continue. Johnson & Johnson has already paid out $36 million in damages to injured victims. One of those lawsuits involved the family of an Illinois woman who died after using the patches and was awarded $16.6 million, another involved the family of a mother of five who died after using the patches and was awarded $13 million. The pharmaceutical giant has also been fined $4.5 million by a West Virginia judge for intentionally dispensing incorrect information about its Duragesic patches – even after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned the company to stop.

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]