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The Duragesic Pain Patch (fentanyl transdermal system) is designed to slowly release pain medication into a patient’s blood stream via the skin. The Duragesic patch releases fentanyl, a pain medication that is 80 times more potent than morphine, over a three-day period.
The medication is administered through the skin and can be placed on the upper arm, chest, back, or the side of the waist. When placing the patch on the skin, patients are advised to make sure the surface is clean and is not broken out, oily, or irritated in any way. Soap and lotion should not be administered to the area where the patch is placed as it may interfere with the potency of the medication.
The Duragesic Pain Patch medication has been prescribed to millions of Americans. Sadly, however, the patch has been responsible for hundreds of deaths and severe injuries. In fact, the Duragesic Pain Patch was pulled from the U.S. market in February 2008 after several patients died from a fentanyl overdose.
The risk of an accidental fentanyl overdose was linked to a manufacturing defect. A tear was found in the defective patches, allowing the fentanyl gel to leak out of the patch at dangerously high rates.
Ever since it first hit the U.S. market, the Duragesic Pain Patch has been responsible for multiple injuries and deaths. The incredibly strong narcotic pain mediation should only be used in patients who have already used some sort of opioid treatment and have built up a tolerance.
Opioid substances such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, methadone, oxycodone and oxymorphone are associated with abuse and high risk of fatal overdoses caused by respiratory depression.
Surviving family members of patients who died from a fentanyl overdose while using a defective Duragesic Pain Patch will likely be entitled to recover compensation for their emotional suffering and other losses including outstanding medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and lost companionship.
For more information about whether you qualify, contact us for help. All consultations are free of charge.
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