The recent recall of Duragesic and other Fentanyl pain patches have brought to light safety concerns regarding the highly potent drug.

The U.S. Food and Drug Association is investigating the reported deaths of patients using Duragesic and Fentanyl patches. A precautionary recall has been issued for all 25 microgram/hour Duragesic and Fentanyl patches with expiration dates on or before December 2009.

For all patients that are not affected by the recall and choose to continue using Duragesic or Fentanyl patches, consider the following safety information:

• Prescriptions for Fentanyl should always be the lowest dose needed
• Duragesic or Fentanyl patches should only be used by those suffering from chronic pain and who are not currently taking other narcotic painkillers
• Follow the directions of doctors and pharmacists exactly
• Store in a safe place away from children

Duragesic and Fentanyl patches are a very strong prescription narcotic. Serious side effects, such as respiratory depression and death by overdose are possible if not administered properly or damaged patches are used.

Watch for the following signs of an overdose:

• Shallow and/or troubled breathing
• Extreme tiredness, sleepiness or sedation
• Inability to talk, walk or think normally
• Feeling confused
• Feeling faint or dizzy

If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious or fatal illness from damaged Duragesic or Fentanyl pain patches, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Duragesic attorney 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.

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.