Generic Fentanyl Pain Patch Recall
For the fourth time this year, a generic fentanyl pain patch recall was issued because some patches have been found to be leaking fentanyl gel, which could cause a fentanyl overdose or death. The latest recall was issued by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for one lot of their 75 mcg/hr Fentanyl Transdermal System pain patches, which were sold throughout the United States.
>>INFORMATION: Fentanyl Pain Patch Lawsuits
Since the brand name Duragesic pain patch was first introduced in 1994, as a method of delivering the powerful painkiller Fentanyl through a patch placed on the skin, the system has been marred by manufacturing and design defects which have claimed the lives of hundreds of people who have suffered a fentanyl overdose. While fentanyl pain patches are now sold by a variety of different generic drug makers, the production process continues to demonstrate the problems with the patch, and reports continue to surface of leaking patches.
The Fentanyl Transdermal Patch is designed to deliver continuous pain relief for management of persistent, moderate to severe chronic pain. Fentanyl, which is a narcotic analgesic painkiller, is supposed to be contained in a reservoir system within the pain patch, and delivered in a regulated manner through a membrane placed on the skin. However, inconsistent delivery of the medication, differing skin thicknesses and defectively manufactured patches have resulted in users receiving fatal doses of fentanyl.
Watson Pharmaceuticals announced the fentanyl pain patch recall in an August 8, 2008 press release which was posted on the FDA website this morning. They indicated that it has been discovered that several patches from one lot are leaking fentanyl gel. If the gel comes into direct contact with the skin of the user or a caregiver who is applying the patch, it could lead to respiratory depression, a fentanyl overdose or even death.
The Watson generic fentanyl pain patch recall only applies to 75 microgram-per-hour patches from lot number 92461850. The pain patches contain expiration dates of August 31, 2009 and were shipped to customers throughout the United States since January 30, 2008.
Earlier this year, three other types of fentanyl pain patches were recalled due to manufacturing defects which resulted in some patches leaking the powerful narcotic gel.
- On February 12, 2008, Johnson & Johnson issued a recall for 32 million of their 25 microgram-per-hour brand name Duragesic pain patches, as well as generic fentanyl pain patches sold by Sandoz, Inc., due to a manufacturing problem where some of the pain patches were not properly put in place when they were cut.
- On February 17, 2008, Actavis, Inc. recalled 14 lots of their generic pain patches after it was discovered that some contained a “fold over” defect which could allow the fentanyl gel to leak.
- On March 3, 2008, Actavis expanded the recall to included all lots they of the pain patches they had sold in the United States.
FENTANYL PAIN PATCH LAWSUITS
The fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential cases for overdose and death caused by a defective or recalled fentanyl pain patch. If any users come in contact with a leaking pain patch, they have been advised to wash their skin thoroughly using only water, not soap. Any unopened generic fentanyl pain patches should be checked before they are opened to make sure they are not subject to this recall.
If a friend or loved one have died as a result of a fentanyl overdose, request a free consultation and fentanyl pain patch lawsuit evaluation.
