Duragesic Patch Information

When the Duragesic patch was developed, it started a revolution in therapy for people with long-term and chronic pain. The Duragesic patch provides a specified dose of a powerful drug over an extended period of time, eliminating the need for continued injections or hospital visits. Fentanyl, a narcotic analgesic 100 times more powerful than morphine, was held in a gel suspension regulated by the Duragesic patch to release a certain amount of the drug every hour.

Unfortunately, a defect in the seal between the linings was discovered in February 2004, prompting the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceutical Products, to recall one group of the patches. In addition, four more groups of the patch had to be removed from the market later in April after similar problems were discovered. The seal on these patches could possibly leak, exposing patients to dangerous levels of fentanyl.

In July 2005, the FDA issued a public advisory announcing the intention to study the safety of the patch delivery system for the potent narcotic, fentanyl. The FDA had received at least 120 reports of deaths linked to the use of duragesic patches.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices claims that heat increases the absorption of medication from patches. That means that exercise, a hot bath, high fever, heating pad or electric blanket can lead to fatal overdoses from the Duragesic patch. Studies on duragesic patch delivery done at the Center for Biomaterials at Rutgers University support these claims. Apparently the effect of heat on dosage levels was reported in studies as early as 1986, but users were not warned until 1994.

If you or a loved one have suffered from serious injury or a family member has died after using a Duragesic patch or, you may be able to make a claim for damages. Contact our service today so we can put you in touch with experienced attorneys who can help with your case and give you more Duragesic patch information.