A recent report from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices warns about the dangers of mis-prescribing fentanyl transdermal patches, such as Duragesic. ISMP reminds practitioners that these patches are intended only for patients who are opioid-tolerant, and should not be used for acute pain.

ISMP also pointed out other prescribing errors. In some cases, deaths occurred in patients who were prescribed multiple fentanyl patches, resulting in overdose. In other cases the fentanyl was prescribed in addition to other pain medications, such as oxycodone, or it was prescribed for patients with pre-existing respiratory compromise. ISMP points out that sometimes pharmacists have dispensed these prescriptions without questioning them, and nurses have applied the patches without recognizing the prescribing error. Here are some of ISMP’s recommendations to help avoid these tragic and preventable errors:

Prescribe fentanyl patches only for patients who are opioid tolerant, and who have chronic pain that is not well-controlled with shorter-acting analgesics. These patches should not be used for postoperative pain, or for pain that’s short-term or intermittent. Pharmacists should ensure that the patient is opioid-tolerant and suffering from chronic pain before dispensing the drug, and should question the prescriber if this is not the case.

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Duragesic (fentanyl, transdermal) pain patches were recalled in February 2008 due to a manufacturer’s defect which allowed fentanyl, the active ingredient, to seep out through one side. Over abortion of fentanyl, whether in buccal or transdermal form, is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.

Duragesic (fentanyl) pain patches are manufactured by Johnson and Johnson and are sold by J&J’s PriCara unit, Sandoz, and Alza Corp.

Only Duragesic 25 microgram/hour patches were included in the February 2008 recall. However, other patch doses may be equally as dangerous and deadly if handled improperly.

This is the second Duragesic pain patch recall in recent years. In 2004 Duragesic pain patches were recalled for a similar defect which also allowed fentanyl to leak out at an uncontrolled rate. The 2004 Duragesic recall included all patch doses, and resulted in hundreds of deaths in the United States.

If you have lost the life of a loved one due to defective Duragesic patches, or have suffered serious side effects yourself contact McEwen Law Firm today. We offer free, no obligation, consultations to help provide you with the options necessary to procede with your case.

To reach a McEwen Law Firm attorney please call (800)732-3070 or fill out our online contact form.

Fentanyl is an opiate 80 times stronger than morphine which is used in popular pain patches, including Duragesic pain patches. When fentanyl is leaked onto the skin in a noncontrolled manor, as in the case of defective Duragesic patches, the patient becomes at risk of overdosing on fentanyl. Fentanyl overdoses result in serious side effects and may cause death.

Fentanyl may be found in either buccal form or gel form, as in the case of Duragesic transdermal patches. Duragesic patches come in a variety of dosages; however, only the 25 microgram/hour patches were recalled in 2008. It is also important to remember that the mishandling and/or mistreatment of properly manufactured Duragesic (fentanyl, transdermal) patches may also result in a fentanyl overdose.

Those suffering from a fentanyl overdose may experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness and/or confusion
• Faintness
• Extreme fatigue
• Small, pinpoint, pupils
• Difficulty talking, thinking, walking, etc.
• Coma
• Seizure
• Rash
• Chest pain

If you or a loved one are currently using Duragesic (fentanyl, transdermal) patches and experience any of the above symptoms you should seek medical help immediately.

The chance of a fentanyl overdose occurring while using Duragesic pain patches greatly increases when the patches are manufactured improperly. In the case of the 25 microgram/hour patches, a slit down one side allows fentanyl to leak out at a quick rate.

If you have experienced a fentanyl overdose as a result of defective Duragesic patches, or if you have lost a loved one due to a fentanyl overdose contact McEwen Law Firm today. We offer free, no obligation, consultations to provide you with the advice necessary to take the next step.

McEwen attorneys may be reached at (800) 732-3070 or through our contact form.