Use of Duragesic (Fentanyl) Patches for Pain Management May Lead to Fatal Overdoses

The Duragesic Pain Patch was designed to treat moderate to severe chronic pain in patients suffering from arthritis, back injuries, and other conditions. The patches containing the pain killer fentanyl were recalled in 2004 after widespread reports of patient deaths and accidental overdoses. Defective Duragesic patches, which leaked too much of the powerful opiate into the patient’s skin, prompted federal officials to order millions of the patches to be pulled from pharmacy shelves.

Fentanyl Overdose Symptoms

Fentanyl is a powerful opiate which functions similar to heroin in the body. Patients who overdose on the drug may experience weak, shallow breathing (hypoventilation), low blood pressure and unconsciousness. Other symptoms of fentanyl overdose include:

  • Swelling of the lips, tongue and /or face
  • Hives
  • Seizures
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Severe weakness or dizziness

Duragesic Pain Patch Recall Details

In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration issued a recall of about 400,000 Duragesic patches after the agency discovered that the patches might leak too much potent fentanyl into the skin too quickly. The patches were designed to gradually deliver a three-day dose of the powerful pain killer into the skin. Later, the recall was broadened to include 2.2 million patches. In July 2005, as reports of patient overdoses, deaths and adverse uses continued, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory regarding the use of fentanyl patches such as Duragesic.

Learn About Your Duragesic Legal Rights

If you or a loved one has died or suffered an injury due to a Duragesic (fentanyl) Pain Patch, you may have valuable legal rights. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today for a free legal consultation. Our experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys will fight for the financial compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our law firm today by completing the case submission form on this page, or by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).

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