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Fentanyl Patch Claims: A History of Death and a Dangerous Drug

By John Cooper

Fentanyl, a drug approximately 100 times stronger than morphine, has been linked to many fatalities due to inappropriate use and medical error. Fentanyl, developed in 1959, is used to treat post-operative and chronic pain, and also used in clinical practice as a general anesthetic. Fentanyl is also used illegally, becoming popular in drug culture for its euphoric effects. Fentanyl has been used as a direct substitute for heroin; however, its extreme potency increases the rate of overdose and can lead to respiratory problems and even death.

Recently, Fentanyl has been the subject of law suits involving doctors and pharmaceutical companies. In 2004, five lots of the Duragesic pain patch, produced by Johnson & Johnson were recalled for problems due to Fentanyl. The Duragesic patches have contained Fentanyl since 1990; however, the defect in 2004 allowed the Fentanyl gel to leak from the patch directly onto the patient's skin. Once Fentanyl came into contact with the patient, it was absorbed by the body in dangerously high levels. The FDA reported hundreds of fatalities due to these defective patches.

A subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, was sued in 2003 due to Duragesic patches. The family of the deceased sued after the victim's death was found to be caused by the use of the Duragesic patches for chronic hip pain. The family received 5.5 million dollars as the result of a wrongful death suit against the company. It was more than a year after this event that the company began issuing warnings about the health risks of using Duragesic patches.

Fentanyl has also been linked to medical malpractice and medication error. Cephalon has provided some important safety information to those prescribed any medication or treatment that involves Fentanyl (specifically Fentora).

- No doctor should prescribe Fentanyl products to those who are opioid in-tolerant. Such as patients taking 24 hour opioid treatment.

- Fentanyl should only be used for labeled indications

- Fentanyl is not for acute pain, or sports injuries

- Fentanyl should never be used as a replacement for other medication or treatments such as Actiq

Although there are appropriate uses for Fentanyl, you must be careful that you are not abusing the substance. Many suffer from abuse of Fentanyl simply by accident, through medical malpractice or product defect. Staying aware of possible side effects and complications with your treatment and medication will allow you to recognize problems and catch symptoms early on. Anytime you are introducing foreign substances into your body, whether prescribed or not, make sure you follow directions, and contact a medical provider if you start having any negative effects from the treatment.

Being well educated and well informed is the first step to better treatment and a brighter future. It's your body, and you only get one. Stay healthy, and stay safe.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Full post as published by Norfolk-Portsmouth Personal Injury Lawyer on June 30, 2009 (boomark / email).