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Duragesic® Patch Side Effects

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Duragesic® patch side effects range from fairly mild to severe to fatal. The most dangerous potential Duragesic® patch side effect is difficulty breathing and/or shallow, slow breathing — a life-threatening reaction to this extremely potent drug. Many deaths have been attributed to this single Duragesic® patch side effect, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has documented the cause of these deaths.

Particularly During First Use

The website for Duragesic® patches provided by Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. notes that these breathing side effects sometimes happen "the first time someone uses the product," and that patients who are using a Duragesic® patch for the first time should be closely monitored for the first 72 hours of treatment. The advice on the website continues by saying:

"You and your household members should discuss with your doctor what signs and symptoms to look for and what to do if they develop. If you are uncertain what to do, call your doctor and get other emergency medical help."

Clearly, Duragesic® CII (Fentanyl Transdermal System) pain patches (that's the formal name) are a very potent, serious medication. They're not to be used for any but a very well-defined patient population — that is, patients with severe and chronic pain who are already opioid-tolerant.

Other Duragesic® Patch Side Effects

In addition to the "respiratory depression" side effects of Duragesic® pain patches, there are a number of other very troubling potential side effects. The FDA-approved Medication Guide supplied on the Duragesic® website warns that a patient should seek medical attention immediately if he or she:

• has a slow heartbeat
• experiences severe sleepiness
• develops cold, clammy skin
• feels faint, dizzy, confused, or cannot think, walk, or talk normally
• has a seizure
• has hallucinations

Loss of consciousness and coma are other possible side effects of a fentanyl overdose.

"Normal" Duragesic® Patch Side Effects

The Duragesic® Medication Guide acknowledges that as a powerful opioid analgesic, the Duragesic® patch has expected side effects such as:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• dry mouth
• sleepiness
• confusion
• weakness
• sweating
• pain and redness where a patch is applied

Duragesic® Patch Withdrawal Side Effects

When a patient stops using Duragesic® patches for pain control, he or she may experience some or all of these common Duragesic® patch withdrawal side effects:

• abdominal cramps
• anxiety
• mood swings
• severe depression
• tremors

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.