Duragesic: Fentanyl Patch Recall Expanded Again

Morristown, NJWith the recent announcements of Duragesic and other fentanyl pain patches, some patients are wondering if any of the pain patches are safe to use. Now, following a recall that has already been expanded once, one company is announcing that its recall has been further expanded. Patients are investigating the possibility of a lawsuit against the makers of these pain patches.

Actavis, the company that makes fentanyl pain patches, has now expanded its recall to include all of its fentanyl patches. An initial recall of some Actavis patches was announced two weeks ago, in response to a possible manufacturing defect. However the recall has been expanded because the same defect may occur in all of the company's fentanyl patches.

Lots covered by the recall expire between May 2009 and December 2009. Actavis was previously known as Abrika Pharmaceuticals, so some of the patches may have an Abrika label. However, all outer cartons have the Actavis logo.

The Actavis recall followed the recall of Duragesic pain patches, made by PriCara. Those patches were recalled because of a possible cut in the patch that could cause fentanyl gel to come into contact with a patient or caregiver's skin. Such contact could be fatal.

Fentanyl is a Schedule II opioid and is considered to be, at minimum, 80 times stronger than morphine. Skin contact with fentanyl can have serious consequences, including respiratory depression and overdose. In fact, some patients have died from acute fentanyl poisoning. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the cases of two bodybuilders whose deaths were related to the use of fentanyl.

One of the bodybuilders was injured in a serious motor vehicle accident, causing pain to his lower back, legs and arms and was using fentanyl to treat the pain. The other bodybuilder suffered from painful migraines and was using fentanyl patches prescribed to a relative. That prescription had recently been increased, which the victim was not aware of when he used the patches.

Many patients have written to LawyersandSettlements.com, warning about the symptoms that they suffered after using fentanyl pain patches. One patient says that he became addicted to fentanyl patches very quickly after using them for pain from spinal surgery. Others write that they suffered overdoes-related symptoms, including difficulty breathing and losing consciousness. Still others write that after using the patch they suffered withdrawal symptoms.

These are all examples of damage that Duragesic and other fentanyl patches have caused, possibly without any skin contact with the fentanyl gel. If patients are reacting this strongly without skin contact, imagine what could happen to patients if they accidentally used a defective patch. The results could be tragic.