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Duragesic Recall

A Duragesic patch recall was issued by Johnson & Johnson on February 12, 2008. This is the fifth recall of Duragesic dermal patches since 1994. The patches may have a manufacturing defect that allows them to leak fentanyl, the powerful painkilling drug that is meant to be released very slowly into the patient’s skin.

Fentanyl Patch Recall

The fentanyl in the recalled patches could cause breathing difficulties and fatalities among patch wearers or caregivers who come into direct contact with the leak.

Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic, some 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. The fentanyl in Duragesic patches is in gel form in a pouch between two membranes. The recalled patches may have a cut in the pouch lining that could release the fentanyl.

Millions of Patches Distributed

The sale of Duragesic patches worldwide amounted to $1.16 billion in 2007. The patches are most commonly prescribed for cancer patients whose pain has become unresponsive to other narcotics. However, some doctors have prescribed Duragesic patches for patients with pain from other causes, such as pain experienced after surgery or due to migraine headaches.

Recalled Patches

The recalled Duragesic patches are 25-microgram patches sold in the U.S. and Canada with expiration dates on or before December 2009. Johnson & Johnson is already facing numerous lawsuits over defective Duragesic patches that leaked fentanyl and caused serious injury or death.

The FDA is acutely aware of the problems with Duragesic/fentanyl patches; in 2005, after 120 patients had died after using Duragesic patches, the FDA put out a safety alert concerning the patches. The FDA urged Johnson & Johnson to issue the recall.

Duragesic Recall: Learn More

If you have used a Duragesic dermal patch or another type of fentanyl patch, you may have concerns about the safety of the patch. Please feel free to bring your concerns to an attorney who is knowledgeable about defective drugs and medical devices. Contact a Duragesic lawyer today.

More Duragesic-patch Resources