Duragesic Patch

The Duragesic patch is a prescription pain medication, which contains as its active ingredient one of the most potent narcotics on the market—fentanyl. Eighty times more powerful than morphine, fentanyl is used to manage chronic pain that is unresponsive to other medications. The drug is released through the transdermal Duragesic patch in a continuous dose over the course of three-days. Recently, however, there have been numerous reports of fatal fentanyl overdoses and other negative health effects related to the Duragesic patch.

If you or a loved one has suffered a severe adverse reaction to the Duragesic patch, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Please contact us today to learn more about filing a claim to recover your damages.

Duragesic Patch: Dangerous Side Effects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert in July 2005 warning of the risk of fentanyl overdoses with the Duragesic pain patch. The alert was prompted by reports of at least 120 deaths attributed to fentanyl overdoses. According to the FDA, factors that could lead to a fatal fentanyl overdose include heat, patch defects, and inappropriate use.

Other potentially deadly side effects that have been linked to the Duragesic pain patch are:

• Decreased respiratory functioning
• Reduced blood pressure
• Coma

Patients who have experienced serious adverse reactions as a result of using the Duragesic patch are urged to report the events to the FDA’s MedWatch program immediately.