The Duragesic Patch, manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceutical Products, and the generic fentanyl transdermal skin patch manufactured by Mylan Laboratories and Actavis Inc., are drug delivery patches that administer doses of the potent narcotic fentanyl through the skin. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a Public Advisory Warning in July 2005 announcing an investigation into the safety of pain patches after 120 deaths were linked to fentanyl patch use.
Fentanyl is a narcotic drug, said to be up to 100 times as strong as morphine, and an overdose can cause death. The symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include:
Overdoses of fentanyl that are not fatal can cause damage to the cardiovascular system (bradycardia) and to the central nervous system. Continued exposure to high doses can lead to dependency and narcotic addiction.
If you or a family member have been prescribed a Duragesic or generic pain patch, you should consult with your health care provider about how to avoid overdoses and be very careful not to use damaged patches or old patches that might have been on the recall list for leaking patches.
In 2007 the FDA issued an additional alert about fentanyl patches, giving the following advice:
If you use fentanyl patches take them out of the package with protective gloves on and examine them carefully for leaks, flaws, or variations in size. If you have any doubts about a patch, do not use it.
If you or a loved one have been injured or a family member has died after using a Duragesic Patch or generic pain patch, you may be able to recover damages. See Hiring a Duragesic Patch Attorney for information on finding a Duragesic Patch lawyer who can 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.