Fentanyl Recall
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On Dec. 31, 2008, PriCara issued a voluntary recall of two lots of its Duragesic® pain patch due to possible tears in the pouch that contains the active ingredient. Generically known as Fentanyl, the Duragesic® pain patch can cause fatal overdoses if the drug is released into the body too quickly.
This recent Fentanyl patch recall is the fifth recall for these patches since they were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and distributed in the U.S. in January 2005.
How Duragesic® Should Work
Duragesic® patches, which are over 80 times stronger than morphine, are typically prescribed in the treatment of unrelenting moderate to severe chronic pain. Due to the strength of this opiate medication, distribution and use of Fentanyl patches are closely monitored by the FDA and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
To use the Duragesic® patch, patients apply the patch to a clean, hairless area of their skin. Doctors generally recommend placing the Fentanyl patch on the:
• back
• chest
• side of the torso
• upper arm
Once firmly in place, the Duragesic® patch can be worn for up to 72 hours. It's important to note that medical experts recommend that patients:
• DO NOT place new patches on the same area of skin (Instead, patients should apply new patches to different areas of their body).
• DO NOT use patches that are visibly damaged, as exposing the body to too much Fentanyl puts patients at risk of overdose and Fentanyl death.
• DO NOT wear more than one patch at a time.
Duragesic® Patch Side Effects
Despite its ability to relieve intense, persisting pain, Fentanyl patches are known to cause a variety of serious, potentially fatal side effects, including:
• breathing difficulties
• coma
• hypotension, dangerously low blood pressure
• overdose, during which patients can experience slowed heart rates, clammy skin, decreased blood pressure, unconsciousness and/or death
• severe allergic reactions, which are typically marked by facial swelling, hives and intensified breathing problems
Patients who begin to develop any of the above Duragesic® patch side effects should:
• Immediately remove the patch.
• Seek emergency medical care to prevent a Fentanyl death.
• Meet with a Duragesic® lawyer, once their health is stabilized, to evaluate their legal claim and find out if they are entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries.
Fentanyl Injuries, Deaths and Lawsuits
Patients who have experienced Duragesic® injuries (or families of those who have suffered a Fentanyl death) should set up a free consultation with a Duragesic® lawyer to:
• Find out more about their legal rights.
• Determine if they have a provable claim against PriCara.
• Learn more about cases similar to their own.
• Decide whether they want to file an individual Fentanyl lawsuit or join an already-compiled class action case.
By pursuing their legal claims, patients and families affected by Duragesic® injuries can get the settlements they need to pay for medical bills, ongoing treatments and living expenses.
While the first-ever Duragesic® lawsuit was settled less than two years ago (in June 2007), many more Fentanyl lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming years.
If You Have Been Injured by the Duragesic® Patch
Have you or a loved one been injured after using the Duragesic® Patch? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Duragesic® Patch attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.
