The Pain Patch Carries The Same Risks As Fentanyl Patch Because Delivery System Is The Same
Duragesic is the brand name for a type of fentanyl transdermal system distributed by the pharmaceutical company PriCara. They are prescribed by doctors for patients with the most serious chronic pain, particularly those conditioned to narcotic medications, such as cancer patients. A Duragesic patch contains the powerful opioid fentanyl, which is stored in gel form in a reservoir inside. It is intended to deliver the painkiller, which is about 100 times stronger than morphine, over a period of about 72 hours. However, if it is defective or used incorrectly, there is a serious risk of an overdose, which often leads to fatal respiratory depression. On February 12, 2008, a batch of Duragesic was recalled due to the existence of small cuts or leaks that increased this risk of an accidental overdose. The affected products were sold in both the United States and Canada. The risk of a fentanyl overdose is especially high for those who are not already conditioned to narcotics, as even the smallest overdose can be extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, the FDA has reported that some health care providers are prescribing them for uses other than serious chronic pain relief, such as headaches. The Duragesic warnings stress that it should only be used when less potent medications have not been effective and when relief is needed around the clock. Fentanyl use commonly carries mild side effects such as nausea, constipation, stomach pain, or headache. However, more serious side effects include: • Addiction
• Liver damage
• Severe allergic reaction
• Hyperventilation Of course, the risk of overdose is the most dangerous. Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose are characteristic of central nervous system depression and can end in death. The signs include: • Slowed heartbeat
• Slowed breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Cold, clammy skin
• Fainting
• Seizures These may lead to fatal respiratory depression, when the victim stops breathing. Anyone who displays these signs after using a Duragesic patch should immediately seek medical treatment. The potential risk of overdose in is particularly high when: • They are used by patients who do not have a tolerance for opioid medications
• There is off-label use
• The drug is combined with other narcotics
• The instructions are not followed exactly
• The product is leaky or defectiveIn 2005, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory warning about these risks. The U.S. Department of Justice has reported that there have been hundreds of fatal cases since then. In order to mitigate the risks of adverse side effects, it is critical that you use the product exactly as directed. This includes thoroughly cleaning the skin where the it will be placed, ensuring that the package was sealed, pressing it in place for about thirty seconds, washing hands immediately after application, and removing it within 72 hours of application. You should never use a Duragesic patch for longer than 72 hours. The manufacturer advised during the recall that any product that appear to have a cut or tear in the inner lining should be flushed, and then any exposed skin washed with water.
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