Recall of Duragesic/Fentanyl Pain Relief Patches
Certain fentanyl patches are being voluntarily recalled after reports were made of deaths related to the use of the medication for pain management.
In the United States, all 25 microgram/hour Duragesic CII skin patches, which are sold by PriCara, and all patches sold by Sandoz Inc. are being recalled in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Duragesic and Fentanyl recall applies to Canada as well.
Check expiration dates on all Duragesic or Sandoz fentanyl patches. The fentanyl recall products that are affected have expiration dates on or before December 2009.
The recalled fentanyl patches may have a cut along the side of the drug reservoir within the patch. This could result in the release of fentanyl gel from the reservoir, possibly exposing patients and caregivers to the gel.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid medication used for pain management. Exposure to the fentanyl gel may lead to serious and possibly fatal effects, such as respiratory depression and overdose.
Damage to the patch can be seen upon opening the sealed foil pouch that contains the patch.
Fentanyl patches that are cut or damaged should not be used. If contact with fentanyl gel is made, rinse the affected area with water. Do not use soap.
Damaged or cut fentanyl patches should be stored in a safe, tightly-sealed container, out of reach of children. To avoid exposure to the fentanyl gel, do not handle the patch directly. Do not re-use a container in which you stored damaged or cut fentanyl patches.
If you or a loved one has suffered illness or death as a result of exposure to fentanyl gel, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact a Duragesic lawyer at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606. An experienced Fentanyl attorney will be able to evaluate if you are eligible to seek compensation.