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The Duragesic patch, also known as the Fentanyl patch, has prompted safety concerns due to a number of deaths related to Duragesic patch use. In July 2005, the FDA issued a public health advisory to inform patients about the risks associated with the Duragesic patch and how consumers can reduce these risks with proper precautions. The federal government and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the makers of the Duragesic patch, are investigating these deaths to determine whether they were caused by misuse of this powerful drug or Duragesic patch defects.

Inteded use of the Duragesic Patch

The Duragesic patch delivers a potent opioid painkiller over a period of 72 hours. This drug is intended only for use in patients who require moderate to severe chronic pain control, and who have already been taking similar medications to no avail. The Duragesic patch is between 50 and 100 times more powerful than morphine. This drug has a high potential for abuse and produces dependency and tolerance in its users. These qualities are problematic because a Duragesic patch overdose can be fatal.

Using Duragesic Patches as Prescribed

To avoid deadly side effects, it is crucial that a patient learn how to properly apply, store, and dispose of used Duragesic patches. It is imperative for patients to use the Duragesic patch exactly as prescribed and that other people not have access to patient’s medication. Because the patch is designed for patients who have already developed a tolerance to opioids, use by others can result in serious Duragesic side effects, including a fatal overdose.

Abuse of opioid analgesics has been a concern since these drugs were first introduced to the US market. Drugs like morphine, oxycontin, and the Duragesic patch have a high potential for abuse and a high risk of fatal overdose. Drug abusers seek the euphoric effects that these drugs produce, often at the expense of their health and lives. Investigations have discovered drug abusers will remove the 72 hours’ worth of medication from a Duragesic patch for one-time consumption, an action that can result in Fentanyl death from overdose.

Duragesic Patch Overdose

An overdose of the Duragesic patch is a risk certainly posed by the abuse of this drug, but it is also a possible risk for patients to whom this patch has been prescribed. Patients may be at a greater risk for adverse side effects when taking certain other medications, consuming alcohol, exposed to heat, or experiencing a significant increase in body temperature while using the Duragesic patch. In light of these risks, patients are to be prescribed the lowest dose Duragesic patch possible and carefully monitored to reduce the risk of adverse side effects, including fatal overdose.

Contact a Duragesic Patch Lawyer

While misuse of the Duragesic patch may cause serious harm, experts have not ruled out the possibility that the reported deaths are attributable to product defect. In 2004 Janssen recalled five manufacturer lots of the Duragesic patch because of patch leaks. Defects like this may also lead to serious injury and death. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury as a result of the Duragesic patch, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced Fentanyl lawyer who can determine and protect your legal interests.