Fentanyl is a medication that is prescribed to those with intense pain due to chronic or fatal illnesses. The composition of Fentanyl is similar to morphine and heroin, as it contains a synthetic opiate.

An overdose of Fentanyl will cause symptoms of respiratory depression and eventually respiratory arrest.

In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) issued it’s second warning regarding the misuse of Fentanyl since 2005.

Both patient and doctor error have lead to numerous fatalities through the misuse of Fentanyl. The FDA has only approved the use of Fentanyl for those with chronic pain, who are already accustomed to the use of opioids.

In order for the patient to be accustomed to an opioid, they must have consistently used the medication 24-hours a day for a week or more.

The FDA has been alerted to physicians prescribing Fentanyl to patients with non-chronic pain. Doctors have prescribed Fentanyl to patients suffering from post-surgery pain, migraine headaches and those that have never taken an opioid medication.

Accidental overdoses of Fentanyl have also been linked to frequent application of the pain patches. Another common misuse is from allowing the Fentanyl pain patch to become hot, which increases the delivery of Fentanyl through the skin.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious or fatal illness from misuse of 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.

A second voluntary recall has been issued for Fentanyl pain relief patches. 14 lots of Actavis generic Fentanyl CII were recalled because of a fold-over defect that could possibly expose patients and caregivers to Fentanyl gel.

Exposure to Fentanyl gel may result in serious or fatal adverse effects, such as respiratory depression and overdose.

The Actavis recall follows the recall of all 25 microgram/hour PriCara and Sandoz Fentanyl patches. The PriCara and Sandoz Fentanyl patches were recalled because of a cut along the side of the Fentanyl gel reservoir, possibly causing exposure to the Fentanyl gel.

The lots affected by the recall include 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-microgram/hour strengths. The lot numbers are:

• 27261 (expiration date 5/09)
• 27317 (expiration date 5/09)
• 27318 (expiration date 6/09)
• 27319 (expiration date 6/09)
• 27391 (expiration date 6/09)
• 27409 (expiration date 6/09)
• 27475 (expiration date 7/09)
• 27476 (expiration date 6/09)
• 27488 (expiration date 6/09)
• 27514 (expiration date 7/09)
• 27536 (expiration date 7/09)
• 27537 (expiration date 8/09)
• 27538 (expiration date 8/09)
• 27545 (expiration date 7/09)

Damaged patches should not be used under any circumstances. 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 serious illness or death due to exposure to Fentanyl, contact a Fentanyl pain patch attorney at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606. An experienced Fentanyl pain patch lawyer will be able to evaluate if you are eligible to seek compensation.

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.