Duragesic Pain Patch

Defective Duragesic Pain Patches Linked to Overdose

On February 12th, 2008, PiCara, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sandoz, Inc. have voluntarily recalled all of their 25 mcg/hr Duragesic CII patches. The recall comes as a precaution because the patches may have a cut along one side of the drug reservoir, which may result in the release of Fentanyl gel. The recalled patches all have expiration dates on or before December 2009, CLICK HERE for a free legal case evaluation.

The Duragesic pain patch, which uses the pain relieving medication, Fentanyl is used for the management of persistent, moderate to severe chronic pain. Fentanyl is a highly addictive opiate that is 80 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is considered a Class II substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it is associated with a high potential for abuse and a risk for fatal overdose.

The Duragesic pain patch has been a problematic device ever since it first came on the market. In 2004, Janssen recalled 75 mcg/hr patches for a similar leakage issue. In July 2005, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory announcing its investigation of “death and other serious side effects involving overdoses” in patients using both the Duragesic painkilling patches and their generic competitors.

Defective pain patches that leak can deliver an uncontrolled amount of the active drug, Fentanyl. This can cause serious health problems, the most serious of which is an overdose.

Symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose include:

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Death

Continued exposure to uncontrolled amounts of Fentanyl can lead to addiction and dependency.

PLEASE DO NOT STOP UTILIZING ANY PRESCRIPTION DRUG, INCLUDING YOUR USE OF A DURAGESIC PAIN PATCH, UNTIL YOU HAVE FIRST SPOKEN TO YOUR DOCTOR.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of the use of the Duragesic pain patch, you may want to speak with an attorney. A lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of Duragesic may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions. Please CLICK HERE for a free consultation.