Duragesic Patches - Duragesic Pain Patch - Pain Patch

Duragesic pain patch has been in news recently due to the recall issue. This is the fifth time that various versions of these patches have been recalled since they were introduced in 2004.

Duragesic Pain Patch - Still Another Recall
Duragesic pain patch have been recalled by Johnson & Johnson due to certain design defects that could lead to accidental overdoses. Johnson & Johnson has recalled 32 million of the fentanyl containing Duragesic Patches. The present recall includes all 25-microgram-per-hour patches. The defective patches have a sliced edge in the pouch which could result in fentanyl gel leaking from the pouch.

Its Use
Duragesic pain patches are used for treating persistent, moderate to severe chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients who are two years old or above. Fentanyl is a very addictive opiate. In fact, it is 80 times more potent than morphine. Direct exposure to fentanyl can be very harmful. Direct exposure could cause breathing problems. Overdose of fentanyl could be fatal. That is why Duragesic pain patch recall should be taken seriously by patients and doctors.

Not The First Time
This is not the first time that Duragesic pain patch has been in news. In 2004, Janssen Pharmaceutica Products recalled their 75 microgram-per-hour patches due to leakage concerns. In December of 2004, FDA had issued an alert, warning patients and doctors about the high danger of accidental overdose related to Duragesic patches. In 2005, FDA had reported that it had received 120 reports of death associated with fentanyl pain patches.

Duragesic pain patches have caused serious injuries to patients because of the defects that allow accidental overdoses. This is a continuing problem with Johnson & Johnson Duragesic pain patch. This is the fifth recall of these pain patches. Lawyers of patients who have been victims of accidental overdoses of pain patches are recommending the recall of every version of these pain patches. With serious health issues a matter of concern, this is something that FDA should seriously think about.