Reducing the danger of fentanyl patch overdose
Concerned by reports of fentanyl patch overdoses and deaths, the Institute of Safe Medicine Practices issued recommendations to reduce the dangers of fentanyl patch problems. Misinformed and careless physicians continue to prescribe the pain patch inappropriately, with doses that are too large or in combination with other opiates which could result in a serious and potentially fatal overdose of fentanyl.
>>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.
2 Comments • Add Your Comments
Rhonda says:
Been on fentanyl patch since 4.09.two years ago I weighed 137lbs. I weigh 103 now. Can’t travel,can’t do hardly any work. Only run sweeper&fill dishwasher.Mom read article that this patch made pain
worse and it could kill you. Anyone hear of this?I’ve been fighting it!!!!!!!!!
I went to a real good chiro who says he thinks I have a csf leak,causn
headaches.I always had but now they are so severe I can’t cope.
HELP!
Posted on November 28, 2010 at 10:56 pm
sandra says:
My fiancee suffers from neck cancer and is being treated at the cancer center in philadelphia pennsylvania . She was perscibed fentanyl I.V.for pain ..she was put on set dose controoled by pain management personell.The regular staff that is there all week is not there on weekends. On may 22nd she suffered a slight problem with thedose she was on .They stopped the medicine ,and waited for her to become more alert .They felt the dose was set to high ,the dose was 300mcg. per hour.. There answer was to set thedose much lower.What happened next is a disaster.Three days later the on call Dr . comes in and without even reviewing what took place three days prior ,,decides to put the dose up twice as high as needed.. Within 1/2 hour my wife starts siezing and becomes completely unresponsive . They rush her into I.C.U where her blood pressure becomes life threatening low ..They try to reverse the drug overdose and she remains unresponsive for the next three days..when she finnally wakes up she is delirous and acting out terribly ..she has yet to fully regain all her mental state..i have documentation stating that she was given to much medication and caused this from another Dr. who works at the same facility..can you please call me and let me know if its worth pursueing . Because it set herback another month in the hospital she contracted sepsis,,,then staph,,the c. defficile ,then pnuemonia , After all this time in bed she now has become so de-conditioned please review this it would be greatly appreciated Sincerly yours.
Posted on June 30, 2011 at 9:08 pm