Duragesic patch dangers continue to cause overdose and death

By Austin Kirk
Posted January 9, 2008

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Last month the FDA issued a second warning about Duragesic patch dangers which have claimed the lives of many people who never should have been given the powerful narcotic painkiller. Despite knowledge of these risks, Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of the Duragesic patch, continues to fail to take steps which could reduce the risk of injury and ensure that doctors and patients are aware of the problems associated with their pain patches.

>>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.