Since Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc. and Alza Corp. introduced the Duragesic patch in 1994, they have faced continuing manufacturing defects which have allowed patches to leak the powerful fentanyl gel, resulting in hundreds of serious or fatal injuries.

On December 31, 2008, PriCara, a unit of Johnson & Johnson announced a recall for one lot of Duragesic 50 microgram per hour patches (lot number 0817239) and one lot of Sandoz 50 microgram per hour patches (lot number 0816851). The recall involves 410,000 pain patches which were manufactured by Alza Corp., a Johnson & Johnson company.

The Duragesic patch recall was issued because some of the patches from these lots may contain cut defects, which would allow the powerful fentanyl gel that is supposed to be delivered in a regulated manner over 72 hours, to come out of the patch and directly contact the skin.

According to Bloomberg News, Johnson & Johnson expects six defective patches from the lot to be leaking fentanyl gel.

While this latest recall only applies to the two 50 microgram per hour fentanyl pain patch lots, prior recalls have involved a variety of different strength products. The continuing manufacturing problems associated with the fentanyl patch, more than 14 years after Duragesic patch was first introduced, signify the inherent problems with the design and manufacture of the product.

Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiaries have been found liable for the deaths of at least four users of their patch, and another sixty users have Duragesic patch lawsuits pending. In November 2008, a Chicago jury awarded $16.56 million to the family of a 38-year old mother of three who died in 2004. In October 2008, a Florida jury awarded $13.3 million to a mother of five.

DURAGESIC LAWYERS

The Duragesic patch lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are continuing to review and investigate new cases on behalf of individuals who have suffered fatal injuries caused by a fentanyl overdose while using the Duragesic or generic fentanyl pain patch. To review a potential case for a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Duragesic Patch Problems

The most recent Duragesic patch verdict was returned yesterday by a Chicago jury, which awarded $16.5 million to the family of Janice DiCosolo, who died in 2004 at the age of 38 as a result of a fentanyl overdose caused by a leaking pain patch.

Last month, on October 30, 2008, a Florida jury returned a verdict in the amount of $13.3 million for a 34 year old woman who died in June 2002, after placing two Duragesic patches on her skin for pain relief after back surgery.

The first two fentanyl patch lawsuits resulted in combined verdicts of $6.3 million, with the first case won in July 2006 by the family of a Texas woman and the second case won in June 2007 by the family of a Florida man.

According to an August 2008 filing by Johnson & Johnson with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company continues to face at least 60 Duragesic patch lawsuits, and that number could eventually exceed 200. In addition, an unknown number of other cases will likely be filed against generic drug makers who started manufacturing fentanyl patches in 2005.

Despite the mounting losses and the substantial verdicts returned in the wrongful death lawsuits, Johnson & Johnson continues to defend their product. They indicate that they intend to appeal the latest verdicts, but they did agree to settle one of the early verdicts for $2.5 million while the case was on appeal.

DURAGESIC PATCH LAWYERS

The Duragesic patch lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential fentanyl overdose lawsuits caused by either the name brand Duragesic patch or generic fentanyl patches manufactured by a number of different companies. A number of recalls have been issued as a result of manufacturing defects which could allow the fentanyl gel to leak out of the patch and come directly into contact with the skin.

If a friend or family member have died as a result of an overdose on the Duragesic patch or generic fentanyl patch, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>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.

Fentora is a prescription pain medication which contains fentanyl, a very strong and highly addictive narcotic . There have been many reports of Fentora problems caused by the drug being prescribed at the wrong doses or used incorrectly. In addition, the FDA issued an alert in September 2007 regarding the risk of fentanyl overdose deaths linked to off-label use of Fentora.

Cephalon originally designed Fentora as a substitute for their Actiq lollipops, which contain fentanyl in a lozenge on the end of a stick. Both Fentora and Actiq are currently approved for treatment of unmanagable breakthrough pain in cancer patients and they are only to be given to individuals who are already tolerant of opioid drugs. However, both medications are already widely prescribed “off-label” to individuals who do not have cancer.

Once a medication is approved by the FDA for any purpose, doctors are able to prescribe the drug “off-label” for non-approved use. Although drug makers are not supposed promote their medications for unapproved uses, Cephalon has been accused of sending sales representatives to discuss the benefits of Actiq with general practitioners, sports injury doctors and other physicians who were not likely to treat cancer-related pain.

>>PRIOR POST (3/26/2007): Makers of Actiq Lollipop part of Congressional Inquiry

The panel of outside experts convened by the FDA will review whether wider use of Fentora is appropriate. According to Bob Rappaport,from the FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Rheumatology Products, expanded use of Fentora “may increase the availability of the product for diversion, abuse and misuse.” It may also increase the occurrences of accidental fentanyl toxicity overdose due to the potency of the drug. Although the FDA is not required to follow the recommendations of their advisory panels, they usually do.

OFF-LABEL FENTORA OVERDOSE LAWSUITS

The fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Fentora overdose lawsuits throughout the United States on behalf of individuals who died after receiving the powerful pain killer to treat non-cancer related pain. Lawsuits are also being investigated for overdoses and deaths associated with other fentanyl products such as the Actiq lollipop and Duragesic fentanyl patch. If a friend or family member has died as a result of fentanyl toxicity after taking Fentora, Actiq or using the Fentanyl Patch, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Fentanyl Patch Lawsuits

Over the weekend, Actavis, Inc. expanded their prior generic fentanyl patch recall to include all lots of their fentanyl transdermal system patches sold in the United States. On February 17, the company recalled 14 lots of patches due to fears that they may contain a “fold-over” defect which may allow fentanyl gel to leak directly onto the skin. Millions of additional fentanyl patches are now being recalled because the company fears that the manufacturing defect may be more widespread than initially thought.

>>PRIOR POST (2/19/2008): Generic Fentanyl Patch Recall

On February 12, Johnson & Johnson announced a separate recall for about 32 million or their 25 microgram-per-hour brand-name Duragesic patches and certain generic fentanyl patches sold by Sandoz, Inc., which were made at their facility. That recall was caused by a different manufacturing defect where the patches were not properly put in place when they were cut. As a result, some of the patches contained a slit along one side, which could also allow the fentanyl gel to leak directly onto the skin.

>>PRIOR POST (2/13/2008): Duragesic Fentanyl Patch Recall

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller which is approved in gel form as the Duragesic patch and generic fentanyl patch. They deliver the fentanyl gel through a membrane which is placed onto the skin.  However, if the membrane fails to properly restrict the delivery of the fentanyl, or if the gel leaks directly onto the skin of patients or caregivers who are putting the patch on someone else, it could lead to serious and potentially fatal injuries.

DURAGESIC AND FENTANYL PATCH LAWSUITS

Well before these recalls, the fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have been representing individuals who were injured as a result of problems with the Duragesic and Fentanyl patch. Lawsuits have been filed throughout the United States as a result of improper warnings about the risks of overdose, as well as other manufacturing defects. In July 2005 and again in December 2007, the FDA issued warnings about the risks associated with the patches and hundreds of deaths and unintentional overdoses have been caused by the dangerous pain patches.

Despite repeated manufacturing problems and reports of fentanyl overdose and death, the manufacturers of the Duragesic patch and generic fentanyl patches have continued to generate billions of dollars in sales at the expense of consumers’ health. If a friend or family member have died or suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of a fentanyl patch, request a free consultation and lawsuit evaluation.

>>PRIOR POST (2/13/2008): Duragesic Pain Patch Recall

On February 13, 2008, Johnson & Johnson issued a fentanyl patch recall for 95 lots of their 25 microgram-per-hour patches after a manufacturing defect was discovered. Some of the pain patchers were found to contain a slice along one side of the drug reservoir, which could cause the fentanyl gel to leak. That recall applied to brand name Duragesic pain patches and generic fentanyl patches sold by Sandoz, Inc., which were both manufactured by Alza Corporation, an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson.

Yesterday, a second fentanyl patch recall was issued for 14 lots of generic patches sold by Actavis, Inc., which include 25, 50, 75 and 100 microgram-per-hour patches with an expiration date between May 2009 and August 2009. These patches, which were manufactured for Actavis by Coruim International, could have a “fold-over” defect, which may allow the fentanyl gel to leak directly onto the skin.

The recalled Actavis fentanyl patches could also contain the former name of the company, Abrika Pharmaceuticals, on the pouches that contain the patch. The official list of products impact by this week’s fentanyl patch recall includes:

• Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 25 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-120-18
• Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 50 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-121-18
• Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 75 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-122-18
• Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 100 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-123-18

Both this week’s and last week’s fentanyl patch recall pose a serious health risk to users of the powerful painkiller. Direct exposure to fentanyl gel could lead to respiratory depression or a potentially fatal overdose. Users and caregivers who place the patches on their loved ones have been advised to thoroughly rinse any area of the skin which comes into contact with fentanyl gel with large amounts of water, but soap should not be used.

FENTANYL PATCH RECALL LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential fentanyl patch lawsuits on behalf of individuals who suffered an overdose death or other serious injury as a result of the powerful pain patches. In addition to injuries caused by defective products, reports indicate that hundreds of fentanyl patch deaths could have been caused by the manufacturers’ failure to properly warn of the serious risk of overdose.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered a fentanyl overdose or death as a result of the pain patch, request a free claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Duragesic Recall Lawsuits

The announcement marks the fifth Duragesic recall since 1994. Hundreds of fentanyl overdose deaths have been suffered by users of the patch which could be attributed to inadequate warnings or production problems since the medication was approved by the FDA. This recall appears to have been caused by a manufacturing defect where the fentanyl patches were not properly put in place when they were cut.

>>INFORMATION: Fentanyl Patch Problems

The Duragesic patch is a powerful opioid painkiller, which is worn on the skin for extended periods of time. It is intended to treat severe chronic pain in people who are tolerant of such narcotics, such as cancer patients. However, it has also been prescribed frequently “off-label” for unapproved uses, such as management of temporary post-surgical pain or headaches. The FDA has issued several health alerts to physicians warning about the risk of overdose associated with the use of the fentanyl patch.

This weeks Duragesic recall applies to millions of 25 mcg/hr fentanyl patches which have an expiration date of December 2009 or before. About 80 lots of the patches have been distributed in the United States and 15 lots were distributed in Canada, with 400,000 units in each lot. The recall does not apply to other fentanyl patches with strengths of 12.5, 50, 75 and 100 micrograms-per-hour.

The Duragesic recall was issued by PriCara, which is a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a unit of the mega-corporation Johnson & Johnson. Some generic forms of the patch sold by Sandoz, Inc., a unit of Novartis AG, were also impacted by the recall. The Sandoz fentanyl patches were manufactured by the same company which produced the defective brand name Duragesic patches.

Individuals who have 25 microgram-per-hour fentanyl patches have been advised to check the box or foil pouch to determine if it has an expiration date of December 2009 or earlier. Although the cut edge in defective patches can be seen upon opening the sealed foil pouch, users should not attempt to handle the potentially defective patches. If the skin does come into direct contact with fentanyl gel which leaks out, the area of the skin should be thoroughly rinsed with large amounts of water, but soap should not be used.

DURAGESIC RECALL LAWSUITS

The fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Duragesic lawsuits on behalf of individuals who suffered an overdose death after use of a fentanyl patch. To have a potential claim evaluated, request a free consultation.

>>INFORMATION: Duragesic patch lawsuits

The Duragesic fentanyl patch was approved in 1990, but several generic copies are also now available. It is a narcotic painkiller which is most commonly used by those with cancer. It is only supposed to be prescribed to manage constant, chronic pain suffered by those who are already tolerant of the opioid therapy. However, when the pain patch is not used correctly or prescribed “off label”, it could have potentially fatal side effects.

The Duragesic patch problems are directly related to the method used to deliver the medication to the blood stream. It is placed on the body and the fentanyl is absorbed through the skin. This is a powerful way to receive a drug, and it can also lead to inconsistent delivery.

Serious problems have also been associated with other medications which use a skin patch to deliver the drug. The Ortho Evra birth control patch, which is also manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, delivers a constant exposure to estrogen, which studies have found results in 60% more estrogen being delivered than what is provided by the birth control pill. Ortho Evra patch side effects could cause an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and serious blood clots for otherwise healthy young women who are taking the birth control.

>>INFORMATION: Ortho Evra patch lawsuits

Although Johnson & Johnson has been aware of the problems with the Duragesic patch for years, people continue to die needlessly because they are not adequately educating doctors and warning users. The FDA has recognized the Duragesic patch problems, and they have issued two alerts on their website. However, the federal drug regulators have not recommended a Duragesic recall, or placed any curbs on prescribing the fentanyl patch, since the powerful painkiller is an important treatment for chronic pain sufferers when it is used and prescribed correctly.

When the FDA issued their second FDA Alert on December 21, they indicated that the makers of the Duragesic Patch and the generic fentanyl patches have been asked to strengthen the product’s label and creat a patient-friendly guide which highlights the risks. However, many experts still feel that this will not be enough to protect the public and that simple steps could be taken to reduce the risk of fentanyl patch overdoses.

The president of the Institute of Safe Medication Practices, Michael Cohen, suggested to Reuters that Johnson & Johnson and the makers of generic fentanyl pain patches should be doing more. He said that pharmacists could be required to review the proper use with patients. In addition, sales representatives should be making it a priority to ensure that doctors understand the nature of the risk, since most physicians who prescribe the drug are not specialists with a clear understanding of exactly how the patch works.

The Duragesic fentanyl patch generates substantial revenue for Johnson & Johnson, with about $1.29 billion in sales last year. Further, their brand-name Duragesic patch only represents about 10% of the U.S. market when compared to the generic fentanyl patch. Their failure to take steps to provide clear warnings has preserved their profits, but exposed users to risk of serious and potentially fatal injury.

DURAGESIC PATCH LAWSUITS

Johnson & Johnson currently faces over 100 fentanyl patch lawsuits as a result of Duragesic patch problems and they have lost the first two cases which have gone to trial. Juries have found the company responsible for deaths caused by Duragesic patch overdose, ordering a total of $6.2 million in financial compensation to the two surviving families as a result of the corporations failure to properly warn about the dangers associated with their pain patch.

Despite the jury findings and a substantial number of reported deaths, Duragesic patch side effects continue to cause overdoses and deaths. The Fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate Duragesic patch lawsuits nationwide. If your friend or family member suffered an overdose or death after being prescribed the Duragesic pain patch, request a free lawsuit evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Fentanyl patch overdose and death

Fentanyl is a powerful narcotic pain killer. The Duragesic patch and generic fentanyl patche deliver the drug through the skin, and they are only supposed to be used to treat severe, chronic pain by those who are already tolerant of opioid therapy. Although the most common use is by those with cancer, the fentanyl patch is often used for those who are only suffering occasional pain, post-surgical pain, mild pain or headaches.

In July 2005, the FDA issued a warning about the risk of fentanyl patch overdose after receiving reports of at least 120 deaths, primarily by those who either used the drug incorrectly or never should have received the powerful painkiller. Despite the warning, the FDA has continued to receive reports of people dying from overdose after using the patch, and they are now requiring stronger warnings since these deaths likely could have been prevented if the drug had been used correctly.

FENTANYL PATCH PROBLEMS

Fentanyl side effects could lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. The FDA indicates that the pain patch should only be prescribed to those who take a regular, daily, around-the-clock narcotic pain medication to deal with chronic pain. Those who are not opioid tolerant and only occasionally take these types of drugs, could be at an increased risk of experiencing problems with the patch.

Many of the reported deaths have been associated with users who should not have been given the painkiller and were not fully educated about proper use of the patch. The FDA indicates that some individuals have placed more patches on their skin than they were prescribed, replaced the patches too frequently, put them back on the same spot of the skin or used them under hot conditions. Using the patch while sun bathing, taking a hot bath, using a heating pad, electronic blanket or sauna could cause dangerous amounts of fentanyl to reach the blood, resulting in breathing problems, overdose or death.

Because of the serious risk of overdose, fentanyl patch is not appropriate for those who are using it to manage temporary pain, or on an as-needed basis. It is also not supposed to be used together with cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, erthromycin, negazodone, diliazem or grapefruit juice, which could increase fentanyl plasma concentrations and lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.

Symptoms of fentanyl patch overdose could include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Slow or shallow breaths
• Slow heart beat
• Excessive sleepiness
• Clammy skin
• Difficulty walking
• Trouble talking
• Dizziness
• Confusion

FENTANYL PATCH LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential fentanyl patch lawsuits nationwide. Despite reports of deaths associated with the drugs, the manufacturers of the Duragesic patch and generic fentanyl patches continue to fail to take steps which could reduce the risk of injury and ensure that doctors and patients are aware of the risks. To determine if financial compensation may be available, request a fentanyl lawsuit evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Fentora lawsuits

Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablets) is a form of fentanyl, a very potent opioid analgesic.  It was approved by the FDA in September 2006 for the limited purpose of treating severe or breakthrough pain in cancer patients.  However, as a result of inadequate instructions and warnings provided by the drug maker, Fentora has been prescribed “off-label” to many individuals who do not have cancer and at dangerously high doses. 

Earlier this month a letter was sent to health care providers about the risk of Fentora overdose and death, but the FDA public health notice is designed to provide general information to consumers.  There have been several reported deaths after using Fentora, and the FDA is closely monitoring the issue.  The Fentora advisory warns that the tablets should only be used by those who are on another opioid drug and who have cancer.  Many of the Fentora deaths have been linked to inappropriate use, such as for treatment of headaches, migrains or other short-term pain.

Cephalon, Inc., the maker of Fentora, will add stronger warnings to the drugs label about the risk of overdose and death.  They will also do a better job of providing accurate dosing instructions.

As a result of the drug maker’s prior failure to provide accurate warnings and dosing information, many doctors were unnaware of the extent of the risks of Fentora side effects.  It was not uncommon for doctors to prescribe Fentora at the same dose as Actiq, another fentanyl drug which is delivered in a lollipop form.  However, Fentora is much stronger than Actiq and delivers more fentanyl to the blood, which could result in a fatal overdose if prescribed at the same dose.

FENTORA LAWYERS

If a family member or friend died as a result of a Fentora overdose, request a free claim evaluation.  The Fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential lawsuits throughout the United States.  Cases are also being reviewed for overdose and death associated with other Fentanyl products, such as Actiq and the Duragesic Fentanyl Patch.

>>REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION<<

>>INFORMATION: Fentanyl death and overdose

Fentora contains fentanyl, a highly addictive substances which is classified in the same category by the DEA as cocaine.  It has a high potential for abuse and carries a significant risk of a fatal overdose.  Unlike the Actiq Lollipop, which delivers the fentanyl through a lozenge on the end of a stick, Fentora is a more discrete version in tablet form made by the same company.

The FDA approved Fentora tablets last year, in September 2006 and nearly 80,000 prescriptions have been written.  It is only approved for the extremely limited purpose of treating breakthrough pain in cancer patients who can not manage their pain with other medications and who are already opioid tolerant.  The older and less powerful version, Actiq, was also only approved for this limited purpose, but the Wall Street Journal reports that 17 months of prescription data show that over 80% of the individuals who used Actiq did not have cancer.

Several Fentora deaths have been reported after the opioid was used by individuals suffering from less severe ailments, such as headaches.  A “Dear Doctor Letter” posted on the FDA Med Watch website yesterday cautions that Fentora should only be used for its intended purpose in cancer patients who are already tolerant of opiod therapy for their underlying cancer pain.  If the fentanyl tablets are used off-label, it could increase the risk of Fentora overdose, respiratory depression or death.

The manufacturer of Fentora and Actiq, Cephalon, Inc., is currently facing criminal investigations regarding their marketing practices by the U.S. attorney in Philadelphia and the attorney general in Connecticut.  They are also part of a congressional probe into off-label promotion of prescription medications.

As part of their investigation, the Connecticut attorney general found that Cephalon aggressively promoted Actiq lollipops for off-label uses which have not been approved by the FDA.  This has contributed to hundreds of fentanyl deaths associated with the use of Actiq.  The company set unrealistic sales quotas for their drug representatives and encouraged them to push larger prescriptions at higher doses to increase profits.  They have also marketed the drug to many doctors who do not treat cancer patients.

FENTANYL DEATH LAWSUITS

The Fentanyl lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are currently investigating potential claims for death associated with the Actiq fentanyl lollipop, as well as a different form of fentanyl delivered through a patch, known as the Duragesic patch.  Potential Fentora lawsuits are also now being reviewed for those who received the medication for non-cancer pain and subsequently died from a fentanyl overdose. 

Fentanyl lawsuits are being investigated throughout the United States.  If a friend or family member suffered a fentanyl death after using Fentora, Actiq or Duragesic Patch, request a free legal consultation to determine if you there may be a basis for a lawsuit.

>>INFORMATION: Dangers of Fentanyl Patch

It has been over two years since an FDA Public Health Advisory was issued in July 2005 following 120 deaths caused by fentanyl patch overdoses.  Federal regulators identified several important safety precautions for proper use of the patches to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.  However, two years later many doctors remain unaware of the full extent of the patch dangers.

The fentanyl patch, which is sold as a generic and under the brand name Duragesic, is a prescription pain medication which delivers a strong narcotic opiate pain killer through the skin.  There have been hundreds of reports of sudden death caused by fentanyl overdose associated with the use of the pain patches.

The Institute of Safe Medicine Practices issued the following recommendations to avoid the tragic danger of fentanyl patch overdose:

• A fentanyl patch should only be considered for those with chronic pain that is not well-controlled by other medications and for those who are already opioid tolerant.  It is inappropriate to prescribe the fentanyl patch for short term or intermittent pain, or for pain following surgery.
• When determining the appropriate dose, it should be taken into account what other opiates or analgesics may have been prescribed.
• While using the patch, avoid heating pads, electric blankets and hot baths, as heat can increase the rate of fentanyl absorption through the skin to dangerous levels.  Also, immediately contact a physician if a temperature above 102 degrees develops.
• Properly dispose of fentanyl patches by folding them in half and flushing them down the toilet.  There have been reports of children dying from fentanyl overdose after finding a used patch in the trash and applying it to their skin
• Know the signs of fentanyl overdose, which could include respiratory distress, shallow breathing fatigue, sleepiness, confusion, dizziness and fainting.  If any symptoms appear, immediate medication attention should be sought.

>>FDA VIDEO: Preventing Deaths from the Fentanyl Patch

FENTANYL PATCH LAWSUITS

The fentanyl patch lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals who have died as a result of an overdose after using the Duragesic patch.  Lawsuits are being investigated against physicians for medical malpractice due to improper prescription as well as against the manufacturer due to product defects which could result in fentanyl overdose. 

If you, a friend or family member experienced problems as a result of the use of a fentanyl patch, compensation may be available.  To review a potential claim, request a free consultation.

>>INFORMATION: Duragesic fentanyl skin patch overdose

Duragesic is the brand name for fentanyl patches which deliver a narcotic opiate painkiller through the skin.  A membrane on the sticky side of the patch is designed to regulate the delivery of medication.  However,  hundreds of deaths have been caused by fentanyl overdose when the medication leaked out of the patch or was absorbed through the skin too quickly.

Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of the Duragesic patch, continues to provide inadequate warnings and insufficient safety information about the degree of risk associated with their fentanyl skin patch.  Despite reports of numerous deaths each year, over 4.7 million prescriptions were written in 2006, a 10% increase over 2005.

The use of a skin patch to deliver medication has become increasingly more common, with current medications available for pain management, birth control and attention deficit disorder.  However, the delivery system is not perfect and all forms of drug patches have been linked to problems when the medication is absorbed through the skin too quick or too slow.

According to the L.A. Times, the amount of drug which is administered may vary from one person to another, with some people getting too much of the medication and others getting too little.  The conditions under which the patch is used and differing skin thickness could impact the speed of absorption, making it difficult for doctors to prescribe the right dose.

The Ortho-Evra birth control patch, which is also manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, has been linked to an increased risk of potentially fatal blood clots.  The birth control patch delivers a constant exposure to estrogen, which could cause the woman to receive 60% more estrogen than is delivered by a birth control pill.

SKIN PATCH LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential Duragesic skin patch lawsuits as well as Ortho-Evra lawsuits.  For more information, or to find out if you or a family member may be eligible for a claim, request a free case evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Duragesic Patch Lawsuits

The Duragesic Patch is a strong pain killer which delivers the opiate fentanyl through a gel which is supposed to be absorbed slowly through the skin.  However, defects in the design and production of the fentanyl patch have resulted in many cases where the gel leaked directly onto the skin or was delivered too quickly.  This could result in fentanyl overdose or death.

The Duragesic settlement was reached after a jury found that Johnson & Johnson, through their subsidiaries, ignored production problems which resulted in the leaking patches.  It is the second time that a jury has found that Johnson & Johnson was negligent in connection with a death caused by a leaking pain patch.  In July 2006, a jury awarded $772,500.00 following a lawsuit filed by the family of a Texas woman who died of fentanyl poisoning.

In July 2005, the FDA issued a public health advisory regarding the dangers of the Duragesic Patch.  The government regulators initiated an investigation into 120 deaths which were linked to leaking patches.  According to this week’s Bloomberg article, the FDA still has not concluded their probe two years later, and continue to investigate the safety of the Duragesic patch.

Approximately 400 wrongful death lawsuits are pending nationwide as a result of Duragesic Patch overdose and death.  Hundreds more may be filed in the future, as defective fentanyl patches continue to leak and cause fatal injuries. 

Last week an article in American Medical News, a publication provided to all AMA members,  reported on continuing cases of fentanyl overdose and death which are associated with the Duragesic Patch.  Despite the safety concerns and deaths, the Duragesic Patch remains the sixth best selling product for Johnson & Johnson, generating sales of $1.29 billion in 2006.  Many experts believe that more needs to be done by the manufacturer to ensure that people are not hurt or killed by the Duragesic Patch.

The recent Duragesic settlement is the first voluntary payment to be made by Johnson & Johnson as a result of their actions surrounding the manufacture and sale of the pain patch. 

The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk are continuing to review potential new Duragesic Patch lawsuits for fentanyl overdose or death.  Limited time may be remaining to pursue financial compensation.

>>REQUEST A DURAGESIC LAWSUIT EVALUATION<<