The Pain Patch Delivery System Is Flawed And All Brands That Use This Method Have Problems
Fentanyl, a narcotic analgesic about one hundred times stronger than morphine, comes in a variety of different forms. First synthesized in 1959, the drug gained widespread popularity in the 1990s when the transdermal systems were introduced, the most well known being the Duragesic brand. However, fentanyl citrate is also widely used as a supplement to anesthesia in an injectable form, and an additional distribution method is the fentanyl “lollipop.”
Unfortunately, such a powerful drug carries a serious risk of overdose, which can even be fatal. A number of fatalities have been linked to it in the past few years, and in fact, there has been more than one recall, both of Duragesic and the generic Actavis transdermal patch. The FDA has also issued several public health advisories warning of the potential dangers of product defects. There have been many reports of the product allegedly causing heart problems, such as a slowed heartbeat, as well as severe respiratory distress.
The pharmaceutical company Actavis, formerly known as Abrika Pharmaceuticals, distributes the generic Actavis fentanyl patch similar to the Duragesic brand. In 2008 they announced a recall of a number of lots that may have contained a fold-over defect that could cause leaking. This recall occurred only days after PriCara issued a recall for a batch of Duragesic that may have had a cut along one side of the reservoir. Additionally, only weeks later Actavis recalled every remaining Actavis transdermal patch being sold in the United States. The company noted that this was a “precautionary measure,” as they lacked assurance that all of the drugs were safe from defects.
Another generic form is Sandoz, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Alza Corporation. The FDA has received reports of hundreds of fatalities linked to these as well. The 2008 Duragesic recall also included Sandoz products.
Though the defective products noted have been particularly problematic, other forms of the drug may carry risks as well. Actiq is a berry-flavored lozenge on a stick that contains the powerful opioid, basically a narcotic lollipop. Like the transdermal systems, it is intended for patients with “breakthrough pain” for which other painkillers are ineffective. However, like most narcotics it has potential for abuse, and has shown up in illegal sales with the nickname “perc-a-pop.” If used by those without previous conditioning to narcotics, it may cause severe or even life-threatening breathing problems. Additionally, the lozenge should only be sucked, not chewed or swallowed whole. As with other forms, there is a risk of overdose if the user is exposed to all of the opioid at once.
Again, use of fentanyl in any form should be closely supervised by a doctor, and dosage should be individualized. Additionally, doctors should not be prescribing the medication for mild discomfort such as headaches. When used properly, the drug can be a source of relief for those with serious chronic pain. As there are inherent dangers with any form of a powerful narcotic, patients are advised to read the full prescribing information, to check the product for defects, and to never take more than the prescribed dose. However, anyone who injured by any of these products may want to consider consulting a lawyer to find out if they may have a potential claim in a fentanyl overdose lawsuit.
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