Another drug recall has been announced. This time patches containing the painkiller fentanyl were recalled on Tuesday, February 12, due to a flaw that might cause caregivers or patients to overdose. The FDA recently put out its second warning in two years on the dangers of misusing this drug.
Fentanyl is a powerful opioid. It is given only to people in chronic pain who are used to narcotics of this nature. If you are not used to narcotics like this, it can cause breathing problems. While it should be given to people in serious chronic pain, the FDA reported cases where doctors prescribed fentanyl for post-surgical pain and even just for headaches.
The problem lies in the fact that some patches may have a cut in the lining of the reservoir where the fentanyl gel is stored. If this leaks into the packaging, it could cause caregivers or their patients to come into contact with the drug. This could cause breathing difficulties or even death.
Fentanyl is sold in the U.S. under the brand name Duragesic by PriCara and generically by Sandoz Inc. 25-microgram-per-hour patches with expiration dates on or before December 2009 are involved in the recall. PriCara claims that two of every million patches might contain this flaw.
You might have a claim against the company if you feel you have been affected by this flaw or recall. If this is the case, you should contact a lawyer with experience in drug recalls or drug injuries to set up an initial consultation.
