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Duragesic® Patch Fentanyl

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The Duragesic® patch has fentanyl as its active analgesic (pain relief) ingredient. Fentanyl is a synthetic (completely man-made) opioid that is extremely potent. The fentanyl in Duragesic®-brand CII patches is in gel form, inside a small patch to be worn on the skin. The patch releases the gel-fentanyl from its reservoir, through the patch, into the skin and then into the body fat and bloodstream of the wearer.

Up to Three Days of Pain Relief

With this "transdermal" Duragesic® patch, fentanyl in the range of micrograms (mcg) is delivered to a patient over a long period of time. The pain relief provided by the fentanyl typically begins eight to 12 hours after the patch is applied, depending on factors such as the:

• dosage of fentanyl — 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mcg doses are available in the U.S.
• patient's weight, body temperature, skin type
• site of placement of the patch

The pain relief from the fentanyl lasts for up to three days (72 hours).

Easy-to-Use, Easy to Abuse

Duragesic® patches are intended to be used by prescription only, in patients who have developed a tolerance to less powerful pain medications. Cancer patients with a need for around-the-clock relief of severe, chronic pain are the patient population most commonly prescribed Duragesic® pain patches. The patches can be used easily at home, administered by the patient or by a caregiver who need not to be a healthcare professional.

According to the Prescribing Information provided by the makers of the Duragesic® fentanyl patch — Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals — the fentanyl in Duragesic® patches is a Schedule II opioid, as are:

• morphine
• oxycodone
• methadone

As such, the Duragesic® patch fentanyl has a high risk of fatal overdose due to respiratory depression. Indeed, more than a few patients and drug abusers have died due to fentanyl overdoses.

The 2008 Duragesic® Patch Recall

In 2008, thousands of Duragesic® fentanyl patches were recalled from the U.S. market due to a manufacturing defect that allowed the release of gel-form fentanyl through a cut in the patches. The leaked fentanyl could cause very dangerous side effects such as respiratory arrest.

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.