Fentanyl Patch
Fentanyl History
Fentanyl, created in Belgium in the late 1950s, was presented as a pain-killer in the form of an injection to medical practitioners in the 1960s. The first name the drug was was marketed under was Sublimaze®. Fentanyl, a potent (narcotic) medication, is the derivative of an opiate. Opiates by their very nature, can change how the nervous system and the brain handles pain. The narcotic Fentanyl is more potent than morphine by as much as 80 percent. Various forms of the drug are used as a pain killer or as an anesthesia.
Fentanyl Patch Development
Fentanyl is commonly used by medical providers to treat patients in intensive care units and in operating rooms. In an effort to help chronic patients manage pain, the fentanyl transdermal patch was created (Durogesic/Duragesic) for use in managing chronic pain.
The drug is absorbed into the patients blood stream as the Fentanyl patch releases fentanyl into the fats of the body. This gradual process helps provide extended pain relief for the patient.
There are several manufacturers of the Fentanyl patch since there are generic forms available. Leading manufacturers include Johnson & Johnson., Novartis, Actavis (Abrika), and PriCara, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
Usually, the size of the fentanyl patch determines the dosage. Although the rate of absorption is generally constant, certain factors may produce different results. A typical fentanyl patch takes about 8-12 hours to go make a difference with pain.
Side Effects of Fentanyl Patches
Fentanyl skin patches have been known to cause many different side effects. Some of the common symptoms include: headache, mood changes, nervousness, depression, confusion, memory problems, hallucinations, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, uncontrollable shaking.
The more serious side effects of Fentanyl skin patches that require immediate medical attention include: fast heartbeat, severe chest pains, body rash, coughing blood and seizures.
Manufacturer Recalls of Fentanyl Patches
In February, 2008, Johnson & Johnson’s PriCara and Sandoz Inc. (a unit of Novartis AG) announced a national recall of all lots of 25 mcg/hr Duragesic Patches sold in the United States. The fentanyl patches were all made by Johnson & Johnson’s Alza unit. The recall is due to some of the patches having a cut along one side of the drug reservoir within the patch. This cut can release fentanyl gel and can expose patients or caregivers directly to fentanyl gel on the skin. To view the FDA recall on these patches, click here.
In March, 2008, Actavis, Inc. recalled 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches in the following doses: 25 mcg/hr, 50 mcg/hr, 75 mcg/hr and 100 mcg/hr. The patches were sold under both the Actavis and Abrika brands. Actavis stated the recall was due to a precaution and outlines the official reason as the “product may have a fold-over defect which can cause the patch to leak and expose patients or caregivers directly to the fentanyl gel.” To read the recall notice issued by Actavis’ Sandoz unit, please click here:
Lawsuit over Defective Fentanyl Patches
An overdoses or a personal injury caused by a Fentanyl Patch can be devastating. If you (or a loved one) have experienced injuries as a result of the fentanyl patch, you may be entitled to damages. Please contact one of our qualified Attorneys for free, confidential case evaluation. Our Attorneys our experienced in drug defect injury litigation.
Fentanyl, created in Belgium in the late 1950s, was presented as a pain-killer in the form of an injection to medical practitioners in the 1960s. The first name the drug was was marketed under was Sublimaze®. Fentanyl, a potent (narcotic) medication, is the derivative of an opiate. Opiates by their very nature, can change how the nervous system and the brain handles pain. The narcotic Fentanyl is more potent than morphine by as much as 80 percent. Various forms of the drug are used as a pain killer or as an anesthesia.
Fentanyl Patch Development
Fentanyl is commonly used by medical providers to treat patients in intensive care units and in operating rooms. In an effort to help chronic patients manage pain, the fentanyl transdermal patch was created (Durogesic/Duragesic) for use in managing chronic pain.
The drug is absorbed into the patients blood stream as the Fentanyl patch releases fentanyl into the fats of the body. This gradual process helps provide extended pain relief for the patient.
There are several manufacturers of the Fentanyl patch since there are generic forms available. Leading manufacturers include Johnson & Johnson., Novartis, Actavis (Abrika), and PriCara, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
Usually, the size of the fentanyl patch determines the dosage. Although the rate of absorption is generally constant, certain factors may produce different results. A typical fentanyl patch takes about 8-12 hours to go make a difference with pain.
Side Effects of Fentanyl Patches
Fentanyl skin patches have been known to cause many different side effects. Some of the common symptoms include: headache, mood changes, nervousness, depression, confusion, memory problems, hallucinations, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, uncontrollable shaking.
The more serious side effects of Fentanyl skin patches that require immediate medical attention include: fast heartbeat, severe chest pains, body rash, coughing blood and seizures.
Manufacturer Recalls of Fentanyl Patches
In February, 2008, Johnson & Johnson’s PriCara and Sandoz Inc. (a unit of Novartis AG) announced a national recall of all lots of 25 mcg/hr Duragesic Patches sold in the United States. The fentanyl patches were all made by Johnson & Johnson’s Alza unit. The recall is due to some of the patches having a cut along one side of the drug reservoir within the patch. This cut can release fentanyl gel and can expose patients or caregivers directly to fentanyl gel on the skin. To view the FDA recall on these patches, click here.
In March, 2008, Actavis, Inc. recalled 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches in the following doses: 25 mcg/hr, 50 mcg/hr, 75 mcg/hr and 100 mcg/hr. The patches were sold under both the Actavis and Abrika brands. Actavis stated the recall was due to a precaution and outlines the official reason as the “product may have a fold-over defect which can cause the patch to leak and expose patients or caregivers directly to the fentanyl gel.” To read the recall notice issued by Actavis’ Sandoz unit, please click here:
Lawsuit over Defective Fentanyl Patches
An overdoses or a personal injury caused by a Fentanyl Patch can be devastating. If you (or a loved one) have experienced injuries as a result of the fentanyl patch, you may be entitled to damages. Please contact one of our qualified Attorneys for free, confidential case evaluation. Our Attorneys our experienced in drug defect injury litigation.