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Duragesic® Patch Medication

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Duragesic® patch medication is fentanyl pain control — a synthetic opioid roughly 80 times stronger than morphine, to lessen the chronic, 24/7 severe pain typically suffered by individuals with cancer. As a prescription-only drug, Duragesic® patch medication is one of the strongest analgesics available. Up to 72 continuous hours of pain control are provided to the wearer by a single Duragesic® patch.

Fentanyl Medication

The fentanyl in Duragesic® patch medication seeps through the wearer's skin at a constant rate to control pain. Fentanyl is also used in intravenous and other forms, including —

• lozenges
• lollipops
• buccal tablets
• spray

Duragesic®-brand patches provide an easy-to-use medication that last a long time. However, the pain relief from a Duragesic® patch doesn't start until hours after the patch is applied to the skin — eight to 12 hours later, in fact.

Duragesic® Patch Dangers

In addition, the use of Duragesic® patches carries many risks, such as the following side effects:

• weakness
• vomiting
• sweating
• sleepiness
• nausea
• dry mouth
• constipation
• confusion
• having trouble breathing
• extreme drowsiness, along with slowed breathing (hypoventilation)
• shortness of breath
• feelings of confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness
• seizures
• chest pain
• heart rate too fast

Deaths Due to Duragesic® Patch Medication

Many individuals have died due to the fentanyl in Duragesic® patch medication. Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug, and unfortunately some physicians have prescribed Duragesic® patches for non-FDA-approved indications such as headaches, back pain, or post-surgery pain.

The Duragesic® patch as pain medication was approved by the FDA in 2001, but by 2005, the FDA had already received 120 reports of deaths linked to actavis fentanyl patches such as Duragesic®.

A Narrow Patient Population

As noted on the Prescribing Information for Duragesic® patch products, the Duragesic® patch is to be used only for patients who —

• are already receiving opioid therapy, and
• have demonstrated opioid tolerance (i.e., taking, for a week or longer, at least 60 mg of morphine, at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily), and
• require a total daily dose at least equivalent to Duragesic® 25 mcg/hr

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.