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Fentanyl Leak

About 100 lots of Duragesic patches (approx. 40 million patches) have been voluntarily recalled by Johnson & Johnson over possible fentanyl leaks. This latest recall, in February 2008, is the fifth recall of Duragesic patches since 1994.

Duragesic Patch Recall

The recalled patches are:

  • Duragesic fentanyl patches, worn on the skin to relieve pain
  • .25 microgram strength
  • Expiration date on or before December 2009
  • Sold in the U.S. or Canada
  • Sold by PriCara or by Sandoz

Dangers of a Fentanyl Leak

The defect in some patches is a cut that may allow a leak of fentanyl gel. Direct contact with fentanyl can give a person severe, life-threatening respiratory distress. The FDA's alert regarding fentanyl leaks in Duragesic patches warned that the fentanyl should not be touched, and that a leaking Duragesic patch should be disposed of immediately.

Fentanyl: A Potent Narcotic

Fentanyl is an opioid narcotic that is so strong that its distribution in the United States is monitored by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. It has been estimated to be between 80 and 100 times more potent than morphine. Available by prescription only, fentanyl is sometimes administered by way of dermal patches (the Duragesic and other patches).

Duragesic patches are generally prescribed only for patients whose pain has become unresponsive to less potent narcotics. Cancer patients are sometimes prescribed Duragesic patches. However, some physicians have seen fit to prescribe fentanyl patches for people with post-operative pain or migraine headache pain. The FDA has cautioned against such uses for fentanyl patches.

Millions of Patches Sold Worldwide

Duragesic dermal patches accounted for more than one billion dollars in global sales for Johnson & Johnson in 2007. That's a lot of patches; the recent recall of 100 lots represents just a small fraction of the Duragesic patches in use around the world. However, the risk of a fentanyl leak in a single patch is too much.

Contact a Lawyer about a Fentanyl Leak

If you've been injured by a fentanyl leak in a Duragesic patch, consult a law firm that represents people who have suffered from defective medical products. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

More Duragesic-patch Resources