Millions of Duragesic Pain Patches Recalled

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February 13th, 2008

"Johnson and Johnson Recall Millions of Patches"

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 Duragesic and containing the potent narcotic fentanyl, are prescribed to patients with moderate to severe chronic pain.

The Recall

Johnson & Johnson is recalling all 25-microgram-per-hour patches with an on-or-before December 2009 expiration date. The recalled patches are sold in the U.S. and are made by Alza Corp., a J&J unit.

Some of the patches may leak because of a cut in the lining of the pouch where the fentanyl gel is stored. Direct contact with the gel could result in respiratory difficulties or fatal overdose.

Not the First

This is not the first recall of Duragesic pain patches. In 2004, certain batches of the 75-microgram patch were recalled over a similar issue, and in 2005, the Food and Drug Administration issued an alert in response to a number of deaths potentially linked to defective patches.

“Perhaps it’s time for the FDA to consider removing the Duragesic patch from the American marketplace, because there are safer alternatives,” said attorney Alex H. MacDonald.

(Source: Wall Street Journal)

Injured by a defective Duragesic patch? Contact an experienced attorney today to discuss your case and learn more about your options.