Duragesic patches are obtained through prescription only and contain large concentrations of the potent painkilling narcotic, fentanyl, which is slowly absorbed through the skin over a period of three days. These patches are usually prescribed to patients with chronic pain, as the patch provides a steady, constant supply of the narcotic painkiller. Unfortunately, the Duragesic patch is prone to defects and has, in fact, led to at least 120 deaths.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a Duragesic patch, please contact us today for a free case evaluation with one of our highly experienced personal injury lawyers. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses.
Duragesic Patch Side Effects: Overdose
Perhaps the most dangerous Duragesic Patch side effect is fentanyl overdose, which occurs upon the rapid release of the drug into the body. Factors that can cause the rapid release of fentanyl and lead to a potential overdose include heat, inappropriate use, and patch defects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating 120 deaths attributed to Duragesic overdoses. In a recent verdict, a jury found the maker of the patch, Johnson & Johnson, liable for the death of a woman who suffered a fentanyl overdose because of a defective Duragesic patch.
Withdrawal & Other Duragesic Patch Side Effects
Since the Duragesic patch contains a very powerful narcotic (80 times more potent than morphine), its use can cause both physical and psychological dependency in a short period of time. When a patient becomes dependent on the drug, they may suffer severe withdrawals when they stop taking it. Some of the symptoms of Duragesic withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Severe depression
- Tremors
- Abdominal cramps
- Mood swings
Other serious, potentially life threatening Duragesic patch side effects include heart arrhythmia, impaired breathing, low blood pressure, and coma. The risk of experiencing these dangerous Duragesic patch side effects increases when the patch is used in combination with other drugs that affect the nervous system, such as muscle relaxants, sleep aids, antipsychotics, and other narcotic painkillers.
If you or a loved one has experienced an adverse Duragesic patch side effect, you need to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Please contact us for a free consultation with a caring and qualified personal injury attorney who can answer your questions and help you determine a possible course of action.
