Duragesic Pain Patch Recall - Duragesic Patches - Fentanyl

With yet another Duragesic pain patch recall, it is clear that the issue has not been successfully resolved. A manufacturing problem leads to patches having a cut. This cut can lead to accidental leakage of fentanyl, an overdose of which can be fatal.

Duragesic Pain Patch Recall - Should You Be Concerned?

In February 2008, Johnson & Johnson issued yet another Duragesic pain patch recall. This time around the recall is related to the 25 microgram patches. The company has stated that due to some manufacturing problem, some of the Duragesic patches have a cut in the internal reservoir lining. Due to this cut there is always a danger that fentanyl gel could leak and expose people to danger.

Fentanyl
Fentanyl is very effective in treating cancer pain. It is eight times stronger than morphine. Duragesic pain patch was approved in 1990. The patch contains fentanyl in a pouch between the two membranes and is delivered via skin. Even though it is very effective, there have been several problems with the patches. Duragesic pain patch recall had been issued in 1994, 1996, and 2004. According to a study published in a medical journal, from 1998 to 2005 approximately 3,500 deaths related to pain patches have been reported to FDA.

Continuous Problems
Over the years FDA has issued several safety warnings over the patches. In December 2007, FDA had issued a warning stating that improper use of these pain patches can cause breathing problems and an overdose can prove to be fatal. FDA continues to receive reports of deaths after patients handled the patches inappropriately.

With so many deaths and recalls, no wonder Johnson & Johnson are constantly dealing with lawsuits. In November 2005, the company had stated that it is facing 72 lawsuits over the patches. With the latest Duragesic pain patch recall, the problem has again come to the forefront. After all, patients’ health cannot be put at risk continuously.