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drug_recall fentanylFentanyl pain relief patches, sold under the brand name Duragesic, have caused some serious concerns within the medical community. The FDA issued a Public Health Advisory in July 2005 in response to numerous reports of death in patients using this powerful narcotic for pain relief. The FDA is currently investigating these Fentanyl death cases to determine whether the fatal risks are associated with the quality of the product or with its inappropriate use.
In response to these Fentanyl death reports, the FDA has published a number of important facts about Fentanyl. The objective of these safety reports is to educate physicians and patients in hopes of reducing the risk of fatal Fentanyl overdoses. In order to avoid a Fentanyl overdose and other adverse drug reactions, the only patients that should be prescribed Fentanyl are those currently taking other prescription narcotics who also suffer long term consistent pain that is not well managed with shorter-acting opioids. It is also imperative that patients safely store, use, and dispose of Fentanyl patches exactly as directed.
There are many factors that can increase a patient’s risk of suffering an adverse drug reaction including fatal Fentanyl overdose. Concurrent use of other medications that affect brain functioning or the way in which Fentanyl is broken down in the body may elevate Fentanyl levels in the body or increase the drug’s effect. The consumption of alcoholic beverages may have a similar effect. Patients who are exposed to heat or experience an increase in body temperature are also at a greater risk of adverse Fentanyl effects.
Improper use of Fentanyl or the presence of these risk factors can lead to a fatal Fentanyl overdose. Symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose can include: slow or difficult breathing, severe sleepiness or sedation, cognitive disturbances, dizziness or faintness, confusion, and other abnormal reactions. Patients experiencing any of these symptoms while on the Fentanyl patch should receive immediate medical attention.
It is important for consumers to understand that Fentanyl is a powerful analgesic with potency eighty times greater than morphine. Fentanyl should always be taken as directed by a physician and should never be used anyone without a prescription. Fentanyl is also used in other medical applications. In the 1960s, Fentanyl was first introduced into medicine as an intravenous anesthetic during surgery. Fentanyl is still used as an analgesic during childbirth. Some studies have found drawbacks to using Fentanyl during childbirth, including a decrease in breastfeeding rates in women who received this drug during delivery.
The FDA has not yet determined if the fatal Fentanyl overdose risks are the product of a drug defect or the incorrect use of this powerful narcotic. If you or a loved one is taking Fentanyl, you should speak with your doctor about how to reduce your risks of fatal Fentanyl adverse reactions. If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury while taking Fentanyl, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney who can evaluate your case to determine your legal rights and options.
Actavis Inc. has expanded its recent recall of fentanyl painkiller patches to include all lots sold in the United States. The company said the expansion is a precautionary measure because it cannot guarantee that all patches are without defect.
Another fentanyl patch recall was issued on Monday over a defect that could cause the patches to leak. This is the second recall issued for the prescription patches in the p...
Approximately 32 million fentanyl-containing pain patches are being recalled by Johnson & Johnson over a manufacturing flaw that could lead to unintentional overdose.
The patches, sold under the brand name » Read More