Fentanyl Patch Lawsuits

Fentanyl Patch Lawsuits

Fentanyl is a strong narcotic painkiller that is now commonly administered in a  “patch.”  The Fentanyl Patch is a preferred method of delivery because if the patch is properly designed, manufactured, and administered, the dosage of the drug can provide a consistent dose of the drug.  However, recently there have been some recalls of potentially defective Fentanyl Patches as these defects can lead to overdoses resulting in death.

If you or a loved one have been injured or exposed to a damaged Fentanyl Patch seek medical assistance.  If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or have lost a loved one as a result of a damaged Fentanyl Patch, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.

Fentanyl Patch Potential Health Problems

 Fentanyl skin patches provide pain relief for many people who experience chronic pain, and who have been taking pain medications for long periods of time. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted a warning that deaths and other serious problems have resulted from accidental overdoses related to inappropriate use of the fentanyl patch.

The Fentanyl patch is applied to the skin and is designed to deliver fentanyl, a potent, strong opiate analgesic. The drug is slowly absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and can relieve pain for up to three days from a single patch application.

Please keep in mind that after applying the first patch, it can take 12 to 18 hours to reach the peak of pain relief, with some early pain relief occurring at four to six hours after the first administration. 

The FDA is investigating deaths and overdoses that have occurred with both brand-name and generic fentanyl patches. The brand Duragesic (fentanyl transdermal system), manufactured by Janssen L.P. of Titusville, N.J., was approved by the FDA in 1990. A generic version, manufactured by Mylan Laboratories Inc. of Canonsburg, Pa., was approved in 2005.

Fentanyl Patch Recall

On February 17, 2008, Actavis Inc., the United States manufacturing and marketing division of the international generic pharmaceutical company Actavis Group hf, announced that 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches sold in the United States by Actavis' subsidiary Actavis South Atlantic LLC were being voluntarily recalled from wholesalers and pharmacies as a precaution.

The recalled patches were manufactured by Corium International Inc., a contract manufacturer for Actavis, and sold nationwide in the United States by Actavis South Atlantic LLC.

"The 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system patches being recalled may have a fold-over defect which may cause the patch to leak and expose patients or caregivers directly to the fentanyl gel. Although unaware of any injuries resulting from this issue Actavis, as a precaution, is recalling these lots. As per the approved product labelling for Fentanyl transdermal system, fentanyl is a potent Schedule II opioid medication. Fentanyl patches that are leaking or damaged in any way should not be used. Exposure to fentanyl gel may lead to serious adverse events, including respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal. Anyone who comes in contact with fentanyl gel should thoroughly rinse exposed skin with large amounts of water only; do not use soap. Immediately dispose of affected patches that may be damaged or compromised in any way by flushing them down the toilet, using caution not to handle them directly. Damaged and/or compromised patches that have leaked gel will not provide effective pain relief.

The lots covered by this recall are: 27261 (exp 05/09), 27317 (exp 05/09), 27318 (exp 06/09), 27319 (exp 06/09), 27391 (exp 06/09), 27409 (exp 06/09), 27475 (exp 07/09), 27476 (exp 06/09), 27488 (exp 06/09), 27514 (exp 07/09), 27536 (exp 07/09), 27537 (exp 08/09), 27538 (exp 08/09), 27545 (exp 07/09), covering the following strengths: 25 mcg/hr, 50 mcg/hr, 75 mcg/hr and 100 mcg/hr.

Please note: Actavis South Atlantic LLC was formerly known as Abrika Pharmaceuticals Inc. The pouches containing the patches are labelled with an Abrika Pharmaceuticals label, but the outer carton bears the Actavis logo with the following product names:

Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 25 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-120-18.
Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 50 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-121-18.
Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 75 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-122-18.
Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 100 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-123-18.

Anyone who has fentanyl patches labelled with an Abrika or Actavis label should check them for these lot numbers.

Affected patches should not be handled directly.

Anyone with Actavis Fentanyl transdermal system patches with the above listed lot numbers should call 1 877 422 7452.

Patients using fentanyl patches who have medical questions should contact their health-care providers.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems should also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch."

Fentanyl Patch Lawyers

Texas Fentanyl Patch Attorney Jason Coomer commonly works with other Fentanyl Patch lawyers throughout Texas and the United States including Houston Fentanyl Patch Lawyers, Boston Fentanyl Patch Lawyers, San Antonio Fentanyl Patch Lawyers, Dallas Defective Medication Lawyers, and other Austin Dangerous Drug Attorneys.  By sharing information and working together, his law firm and other firms throughout Texas and the United States are able to provide better representation for there clients.  

If you or a loved one have been injured or exposed to a damaged Fentanyl Patch seek medical assistance.  If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or have lost a loved one as a result of a damaged Fentanyl Patch, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.